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Ohio Farm Bureau recently presented four members with the inaugural County Leader of Distinction Award. This award recognizes deserving members who have had an indelible and lasting impact on both their county Farm Bureau and local community. 

The 2025 recipients are Fred Cooke (posthumous) of Richland County, Marvin Dietsch of Williams County, Steven Knollman of Hamilton County and Michele Miller (posthumous) of Ottawa County. 

Fred Cooke of Richland County

Cooke dedicated his life to youth, agriculture and Farm Bureau. A 50-year Farm Bureau member, he served on the Richland County Farm Bureau board from 2004 through his passing in 2023, including three years as county president, and contributed to numerous membership campaigns and committee work. 

He played a key role in launching the Richland County Farmers Share Breakfast, raising $20,000 over 16 years, and was integral to starting Farm to Plate, which was a community Farm Bureau program at the Shelby Farmers Market teaching community members to cook with fresh food. As a natural communicator, Cooke brought in more new members each year than any other board member and was widely known as “Mr. Farm Bureau,” asking everyone he met, “Are you a Farm Bureau member?”

Cooke taught agricultural education at Shelby High School for 30 years, farmed and mentored many FFA and 4-H youth with their livestock projects at the Richland County Fair.

Marvin Dietsch of Williams County

Dietsch’s more than 70 years of service touched nearly every part of life in Williams County. He has championed innovation in sustainable agriculture, helped shape local and state policy and worked tirelessly to support individuals with developmental disabilities through farm stewardship and organizational leadership. 

As the founder and co-manager of Dietsch Enterprises, LLC, he and his late wife, Janie, grew their generational family grain farm to span 1,100 acres, including a homestead that has remained in the family since 1875.

A longtime member and past president of the Williams County Farm Bureau board, he has become a credible, data-driven advocate for farmers and landowners. His work has led to policy decisions on the local, state and and national level. As a former teacher, his legacy also includes sharing knowledge with others, especially younger farmers, mentoring them in both agronomy and business strategy.

Steven Knollman of Hamilton County

For more than 30 years, Knollman has been integral leader of the Hamilton County Farm Bureau. He has served in numerous leadership roles, including as county president multiple times over the three decades. He also follows the family tradition, belonging to the four generations of the Knollman family to serve on the county board. 

Knollman has made advocacy a priority throughout his tenure, always making time for events such as OFBF’s Ag Day at the Capital, County Presidents’ DC Trip and OFBF Annual Meeting. He also has been a leader in sharing the importance of Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans and providing written testimony to the Legislature.

Knollman is a sixth-generation farmer in Hamilton County, raising row crops and operating a cow/calf beef operation on the family’s original dairy farm. 

Michele Miller of Ottawa County

As a devoted member of Ottawa County Farm Bureau, Miller’s commitment to the agricultural community was unmatched. Through her 25 years as a volunteer leader of Ottawa County Farm Bureau, Miller wore many hats: a tireless advocate for agriculture, a powerhouse for membership recruitment and a loving mentor for those around her. 

Miller is responsible for the establishment of county events such as the annual Legislative Luncheon, and was the recipient of many membership awards, including the Murray Lincoln Award, given to members who sign 50 new or winback members. Her efforts have built a strong bridge with farmers, community members and legislators, and she solely signed hundreds of memberships into the organization over her tenure.

Above all, Miller was a loving mother, grandmother, farmer’s wife, and friend.

The County Leader of Distinction Awards were presented Dec. 12 at Ohio Farm Bureau’s 107th Annual Meeting in Columbus. 

Editors: Photos of Mr. Cooke’s family and friends, Mr. Dietsch and his family and friends, Mr. Knollman and his family and friends, and Ms. Miller’s family and friends are available for download.