Recipients
Agricultural Adventurers Award Recipients
For individual information, click on a name below.
2009 Maurice Mix, Brattleboro, Vermont
2008 Frank & Eleanor Whittemore, Hollis, New Hampshire
2007 Dr. William A. Cowan, Storrs, Connecticut
2006 Robert G. Coombs, Jr., Jacksonville, Vermont
2005 Paul P. Johnston, West Newbury, Massachusetts
2004 Bernard W. Shaw, Augusta, Maine
2003 Richard M. Cromack, Colrain, Massachusetts
2002 August "Gus" Schumacher, Jr., Washington, DC
2001 Robert Jacquier, East Canaan, Connecticut
2000 Robert Foster, Middlebury, Vermont
1999 Stephen H. Taylor, Meriden, New Hampshire
1998 Timothy & Mary Nourse, Whately, Massachusetts
1996 Henry Saglio, Glastonbury, Connecticut
1995 Kenneth & Earle Parsons, Hadley, Massachusetts
1994 Stacy W. Cole, West Swanzey, New Hampshire
1993 Willis H. Hayes, Wilbraham, Massachusetts
1992 Amr Ismail, Machias, Maine
1991 Dean K. Webster, Lawrence, Massachusetts
1990 Ryle K. Dow, St. Albans, Vermont
1989 Frederic Winthrop, Jr., Ipswich, Massachusetts
1988 Louis P. Longo, Glastonbury, Connecticut
1987 Dr. Chester Cross, East Sandwich, Massachusetts
1986 Dr. Wilson R. Haubrich, Claremont, New Hampshire
1985 Emanuel Hirth, Manchester, Connecticut
1984 Dr. C. Hilton Boynton, Richmond, Massachusetts
1983 Robert Josephy, Bethel, Connecticut
1982 John C. Macfarlane, Pembroke, Massachusetts
1981 Dr. Stanley Gaunt, Hadley, Massachusetts
1980 George & Marjorie Wilde, Lenox, Massachusetts
1979 Robert H. Rumler, Brattleboro, Vermont
1978 Dr. James Horsfall, Hampden, Connecticut
1977 G. W. Wynne, West Springfield, Massachusetts
1976 Gordon Cameron, Springfield, Massachusetts
1975 Wilfred B. Young, Storrs, Connecticut
Fred Beane, Manchester, New Hampshire
1974 Senator George David Aiken, Putney, Vermont
1973 Frank Atwood, Hartford, Connecticut
1972 Jonathan Davis, Sterling, Massachusetts
1971 Richard D. Aplin, Boston, Massachusetts
1970 Julian B. Thayer, Middlefield, Connecticut
1969 Eldon J. Corbett, Colebrook, New Hampshire
1968 Louis A. Zehner, Lexington, Massachusetts
1965 J. Loring Brooks, Wilbraham, Massachusetts
R. DeWitt Mallary, Bradford, Vermont
1964 Elmer E. Towne, Montpelier, Vermont
1963 Harry E. Umphrey, Presque Isle, Maine
1962 Ken E. Geyer, Wethersfield, Connecticut
Kenneth S. Morrow, Durham, New Hampshire
Kenneth R. Fowler, Durham, New Hampshire
1961 Fred J. Nutter, Corinna, Maine
Oliver J. Hubbard, Walpole, New Hampshire
1960 Myron C. Peabody, Springfield, Massachusetts
1959 Quentin Reynolds, West Springfield, Massachusetts
1958 John Donald Black, Cambridge, Massachusetts
George L. Moore, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Harold J. Shaw, Sanford, Maine
1957 Arthur L. Deering, Orono, Maine
Joseph E. Carrigan, Burlington, Vermont
J. Ralph Graham, Boscawen, New Hampshire
1956 Mrs. Abbie C. Sargent, Bedford, New Hampshire
Edward H. Thomson, Springfield, Massachusetts
1955 S. McLean Buckingham, Watertown, Connecticut
John Chandler, Sterling, Massachusetts
James Gray Watson, Springfield, Massachusetts
1954 Hubert Dana Goodale, Williamstown, Massachusetts
1953 Elbert Sidney Brigham, St. Albans, Vermont
Donald Forsha Jones, Mt. Carmel, Connecticut
(No Fellowships Awarded in 1966, 1967 and 1997)
2009 Maurice Mix, Brattleboro, Vermont
Maurice Mix led two of the most important departments of the Holstein Association USA, Inc. He began his career as the director of Classification Services in 1967. Under Mix's guidance, the classification program grew rapidly and became known as the best classification program of dairy cattle in the world.
In 1978, Mix was promoted to the position of director of International Affairs for the Association. In the role, he was responsible for the management of all international activities of the Holstein Association, with emphasis on market development, public relations, animal health standards and finance.
Known as "Mr. Holstein" throughout this country and the world, his relentless passion for educating foreign and domestic dairy industry leaders on the benefits and advantages of milking Holsteins as a profitable business or as a source of food in different countries is legendary.
Many dairy producers in the U.S. are benefiting today from the work Mix has done.
2008 Frank & Eleanor Whittemore, Hollis, New Hampshire
Frank & Eleanor Whittemore are the fifth generation to operate Brookdale Fruit Farm, an 1847 dairy operation that evolved into a diversified fruit and vegetable enterprise. With 250 acres of fruit trees and 150 acres of vegetables, they introduced the first "crop saver" computerized sprayer in the state. The Whittemores' accomplishments include the addition of controlled atmospheric cold storage, a computerized dwarf apple tree planting program, trickle irrigation and pick-your-own produce offerings.
The Whittemores' hard work, innovative practices and commitment to the successful future of the family farm and the agricultural industry place them in the forefront of the industry's leadership.
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2007 Dr. William A. Cowan, Storrs, Connecticut
Dr. Cowan's career defines the Agricultural Adventurers Award: a farmer; master breeder of livestock; teacher; mentor; livestock and meats judge and innovator of many programs that keep the University of Connecticut in the national spotlight.
As the University of Connecticut Animal Science Department Head and Chairman of the Faculty Senate Admissions Committee, he has had tremendous impact on young people entering the field of animal agriculture in the northeastern part of the country. This Emeritus professor has also been responsible for private contributions of animals and funds valued in excess of $1 million. He continues to research and is at the forefront of new applications and ideas as they relate to agriculture. He has been an outstanding spokesman for the agriculture community, bringing the message of agriculture to the urban and suburban population.
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2006 Robert G. Coombs, Jr., Jacksonville, Vermont
Robert Coombs had over 60 years of experience in the maple sugaring business and participated extensively in local, state and national agricultural organizations. He revolutionized the maple sugar business in Vermont. He purchased sap that other sugarmakers had not boiled down and turned it into syrup, grading and packing it in standardized cans or jugs to build customer awareness and increase the state's sales to the point of becoming one of the top packers in the country. After purchasing cans from the Empire Can Company in New York to sell to Vermont producers, the Leader Evaporator Company, on whose board Coombs sat, purchased the Brooklyn enterprise and founded the Maple Country Can Company in St. Albans, Vermont. The move created a larger consumer market and created the largest maple syrup equipment company in the United States.
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2005 Paul P. Johnston, West Newbury, Massachusetts
Paul P. Johnston is considered one of the most influential people in the New England dairy industry. A consummate leader and tireless visionary, he has had a profound effect on Northeast dairy farmers and was instrumental in positioning the iconic Cabot brand in retail outlets throughout the region. Johnston was named president and CEO of Agri-Mark when it was formed in 1980. Agri-Mark merged with Cabot Creamery of Vermont twelve years later, paving the way for a new era of milk marketing for dairy farmers in the Northeast under their own award-winning brand name. Today, Agri-Mark sales, including Cabot, have increased to more than $760 million worldwide. The cooperative, under Johnston's leadership, has become one of the largest farmer-owned businesses in the Northeast.
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2004 Bernard W. Shaw, Augusta, Maine
With a 22 year career of successful farm operations and extensive participation in local, state and national agricultural organizations, Bernard W. Shaw served as Maine's Commissioner of Agriculture from 1987 to 1994 and was a director of the Finance Authority of Maine and the Land for Maine Future Board for eight years.
Presiding over several agricultural councils, services and departments both locally and nationally, Shaw was also a longtime member of the Maine Potato Board and a director of the National Potato Promotion Board as well as an active community leader. He volunteers with the Augusta Food Bank and is a trustee and former board member of Eastern States Exposition.
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2003 Richard M. Cromack, Colrain, Massachusetts
A retired banker, farmer and former chairman of the Board of Eastern States Exposition, Richard M. Cromack's guidance and leadership backed by his experience in banking and the agriculture world made a significant contribution to the Exposition's growth, fostering the agriculture program and ensuring its future. As chairman, he saw the completion of a $6.5 million capital improvement program that involved the renovation of the south side of the fairgrounds, the construction of the Food Court and the completion of the Mallary Agricultural Complex, a 133,175 sq. ft. state-of-the-art building showcasing all competitive livestock under one roof as well as the Milking Parlor and Fiber Nook.
As former chairman of the ESE Foundation, Cromack further guaranteed that agriculture at The Big E will be continually developed through this permanent funding mechanism.
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2002 August "Gus" Schumacher, Jr., Washington, DC
August "Gus" Schumacher, Jr., has had a lifelong career serving agriculture both in the United States and abroad. In his 30-year career at the World Bank, he has served Massachusetts, U.S. and foreign agriculture around the world. He led teams to Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Eastern Africa resulting in a series of World Bank loans for the development of beef cattle sectors in each nation. He also led agri-project teams to Mexico, Egypt and Mauritius, and served as senior rural development officer responsible for rural development and lending in Yugoslavia.
A Harvard graduate with an MBA from Harvard Business School, he served as Commissioner of Food and Agriculture from 1984 to 1990 as well as chairman of the Pesticide Board and the Agriculture Preservation Restriction Board for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
He was instrumental in increasing the number of farmers markets from 8 to 89 and founding the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Seniors Farmers Market coupon programs.
In 1994, then President Clinton named Schumacher Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S.D.A. and a board member of the Commodity Credit Corporation. Between 1997 and 2000, the United States Senate confirmed Schumacher as undersecretary of Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service for the U.S.D.A., president of the Commodity Credit Corporation and chairman of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and third ranking official for the U.S.D.A. As undersecretary, he oversaw some 17,000 employees located in 2,450 offices domestically and 76 offices in 72 countries.
Currently, Schumacher is the managing director for the Washington, DC, operations of SJH & Company of Danvers, Mass. He advises clients on Federal and State initiatives that impact client operations.
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2001 Robert Jacquier, East Canaan, Connecticut
Robert Jacquier, began farming right out of high school in 1948 with 18 milking cows. Today, he and his wife Dorothy preside over a farming dynasty in the dairy-rich northwestern corner of Connecticut. At Laurelbrook Farm, a partnership with their sons and grandsons, they milk 750 cows and farm 2,200 acres of crops. A life-long commitment and service to New England agriculture and a lifetime of involvement in agricultural organizations have been an important part of the Jacquiers' lives.
A 50-plus-year member of the Connecticut Milk Producers Association, which became Yankee Milk and then Agri-Mark, Jacquier served on their board for 19 years and 11 years as the treasurer of Agri-Mark. In 1973, the family was named Connecticut's Outstanding Dairy Family.
Laurelbrook Farm operates a methane digester to process manure and create electricity. In August of 1995, Jacquier and four other local farms founded the Canaan Valley Agricultural Manure Cooperative to market composted manure vegetable seed pots that decompose after planting.
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2000 Robert Foster, Middlebury, Vermont
Robert Foster, who operates the 1,900-acre Foster Brothers Farm with his wife Nancy, his father and other family members, is credited with producing a new product - electricity - from cow manure from the farm's 380 milking Holsteins. The year was 1982 and the concept was new at the time in the United States, but had been used in several foreign countries.
The Fosters' environmental concerns led them to build an anaerobic digester, which acts as a large incubator for methane producing bacteria. Methane gas is a clean burning, environmentally safe source of fuel used to generate electricity. The electricity became a source of energy for the farm and the excess was sold to a local power company.
In 1991, the Fosters began using the solid residue to develop a line of compost potting materials. The products are found in nurseries and garden stores throughout the Northeast under the names of Moo Doo, Moo Grow, Moo Dirt and others.
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1999 Stephen H. Taylor, Meriden, New Hampshire
As the Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of New Hampshire, Taylor spearheaded initiatives that have supported, promoted, strengthened and perpetuated agriculture in the Granite State and beyond. A dairy farmer, maple producer, prolific writer and innovator, he brings insight, foresight and dynamic leadership to every project he touches in the worlds of agriculture, government, business and community.
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1998 Timothy & Mary Nourse, Whately, Massachusetts
Timothy and Mary Nourse, owners of Nourse Farms, are pioneers in the field of tissue culture propagation to produce healthier, more productive plants, and their method includes a virus indexing and eradication program. They founded the first small fruit tissue lab in the United States in 1980 and remain the only plant tissue propagated plant farm in the country.
They instituted the first cooperative rotation program with other local farmers and were one of the first growers in Massachusetts to sell locally grown vegetables, other than sweet corn, to major retailers.
Family-owned Nourse Farms specializes in the production of strawberry and raspberry plants. It is the largest raspberry plant producer in the United States, sells 20 million strawberry plants annually and leads the industry in plant tissue propagation.
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1996 Henry Saglio, Glastonbury, Connecticut
Henry Saglio is the founder of two worldwide businesses and with his vision, has produced and marketed a meat bird that has allowed all peoples of the world to eat better and consequently live better. He is widely considered the father of modern chicken genetics. He truly in every aspect of our definition is an Agricultural Adventurer.
Saglio founded Arbor Acres Farms, Inc. in Glastonbury, Connecticut, as a youth, and by careful genetic selection and one eye on the market, he built an organization which became the largest producer of female broiler breeding stock in the world. His efforts put him at the top of the world with up to 75% of the female broiler breeder business. After selling the business and remaining as a consultant until 1985, he and his son, Rob, bought Kennebec International, in Waterville, Maine. They renamed it Avian Farms, International, and once again began breeding grandparent stock for all the Tysons and Perdues of the world. Today, Avian sells to third world countries where there is a market for live, whole birds. They pioneered the opening of the huge market in China and are now opening the Russian states. Avian Farms ranks third in the world, in just over a decade, for the sale of grandparent broiler breeders. They sell in 67 countries and have breeding facilities in Maine, Texas, Kentucky, China, Holland, Spain, the Ukraine, Venezuela and Bangkok, Thailand.
Henry Saglio is the first living member ever elected to the USDA's Agricultural Hall of Fame and has been given an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Beijing for his contribution in helping to feed the people of the world.
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1995 Kenneth & Earle Parsons, Hadley, Massachusetts
Their family has farmed the fertile Connecticut River Valley since before the Revolution, yet recent contributions of Parsons Farm to the world of agriculture and medical science are nothing short of revolutionary. Kenneth and Earle Parsons, who own and operate one of the most efficient, productive and economically sound farms in Massachusetts, also pioneered the careful breeding and raising of hogs and sheep for medical science.
Annually, 4,000 hogs and 1,800 sheep are produced under exacting health and breeding standards for medical use. Additionally, the farm is a dynamic showplace, which has opened its doors to college animal science classes, school children and international visitors.
Eastern States Exposition and The Fellowship of Agricultural Adventurers welcome and salute these innovative visionaries, whose work represents the best of New England agriculture and whose contributions to medicine have undoubtedly improved the quality of life for many individuals.
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1994 Stacey W. Cole, West Swanzey, New Hampshire
In recognition of his contributions to agriculture, education, the Farm Bureau, and the citizens of New Hampshire, this agricultural adventurer is lauded for his dynamic leadership, keen foresight, fine communication skills and continued public service.
With his media affiliations over 30 years he has kept the public informed and updated on agricultural, environmental and wildlife issues.
As a member of the New Hampshire legislature, he has served his constituents for nearly a decade and is presently Deputy Speaker of the House. His motto is "get the job done."
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1993 Willis H. Hayes, Wilbraham, Massachusetts
As the final decades of the 20th century presented us with significant challenges for the farmers of New England, this former teacher of vocational agriculture and retired Vice President and Secretary of the Farm Credit Banks of Springfield worked steadfastly to maintain a strong agricultural presence at Eastern States Exposition. His long tenure as Eastern States Exposition President heralded a new era of diverse and dynamic livestock programs aimed at educating the public on the importance of our farmers and their products. He has a vast knowledge and appreciation of New England agriculture and its people. His community leadership is legendary and he is a long time champion of education and programs for the elderly.
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1992 Amr Ismail, Machias, Maine
A native of Cairo, Egypt, educated in his native country and at two New England land grant colleges, this agricultural adventurer found his niche in the Maine Wild Blueberry industry.
Experienced as a true scientist, teacher, researcher and business manager, he now directs a company which is a leading processor and supplier of wild blueberries to major markets in the USA and foreign countries.
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1991 Dean K. Webster, Lawrence, Massachusetts
As northeast farms and agribusinesses experience dynamic changes, this leader of a successful feed company was in the forefront participating in innovative methods and techniques to better serve his customers. Satellite mills, new distribution systems, feed formula adjustments and expanded service to non-farmers spelled success for his company. Superior leadership and skillful management have been his hallmarks.
His community activities include leadership posts in numerous people-serving organizations, including the Eastern States Exposition.
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1990 Ryle K. Dow, St. Albans, Vermont
A native Vermonter who has spent his entire adult life promoting New England's dynamic dairy industry. His uncanny ability to foresee and solve potential problems are hallmarks of his success. Superior leadership and effective management skills have brought national recognition to this quiet, modest man and the successful dairy cooperative he managed for 30 years. Quality dairy products, a successful farmer-owned dairy cooperative and the respect of the region's agricultural industry are lasting tributes to his career. He is a man of vision, dedication and trust.
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1989 Frederic Winthrop, Jr., Ipswich, Massachusetts
Honoring a lifelong devotion to preserving New England's valuable farmland and picturesque landscape, our Agricultural Adventurer is recognized nationally for his "Farmland Preservation Act." This innovative law was the first of its kind, and is designed to ensure the preservation of a most precious commodity - Massachusetts farmland.
A descendant of the distinguished early Massachusetts Winthrop family, our recipient is a firm believer in the education of young people on the importance of Agriculture and is a leader in the "Agriculture in the Classroom" program.
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1988 Louis P. Longo, Glastonbury, Connecticut
A dynamic, dedicated business-oriented dairy farmer who has devoted his working life to improving the Northeast dairy industry through the building of strong dairy cooperatives. Inventor, writer and nationally acclaimed speaker, always blending the best of farm philosophy with the keen sense of how agriculture impacts the marketplace and fits into the total economic picture.
Dairy farmers in the Northeast and dairy cooperatives nationwide salute this far-sighted and strong minded Yankee with a deep sense of appreciation for his vision and effective leadership.
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1987 Dr. Chester Cross, East Sandwich, Massachusetts
A rare combination of scientist and salesman is found in this scholarly and enthusiastic gentleman. Known to everyone as "Mr. Cranberry," his professional life has been devoted to the culture, production and increased public acceptance of this unique fruit. At the bog, the laboratory, the classroom or public forum, his eloquent message is heard and his wise consul sought and respected.
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1986 Dr. Wilson R. Haubrich, Claremont, New Hampshire
A distinguished veterinarian with world wide credentials. A pioneer in the specialty of bovine reproduction and artificial breeding of dairy cattle. A counsel to national and international veterinary scientists. A dedicated practitioner, able lecturer and community leader. New England agriculture take pride in this staunch friend.
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1985 Emanuel Hirth, Manchester, Connecticut
A Polish Freedom Fighter, an export/import entrepreneur, a Connecticut Poultry Farmer and a nationally recognized leader in Agri-Business. The 1985 Agricultural Adventurer understands the true meaning of a farmer's cooperative with its obligation to produce high quality products at reasonable prices with a substantial return on investment to its members.
This uncommon man created success the old fashion way - he earned it.
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1984 Dr. C. Hilton Boynton, Richmond, Massachusetts
In recognition of an esteemed veteran extension dairyman and internationally known judge of all breeds of dairy cattle. His lifelong interest in the relationship of type and production, his study and teachings, have served dairymen everywhere. A warm and outgoing man, he has deservedly earned their friendship, as well as their respect and full faith in his leadership.
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1983 Robert Josephy, Bethel, Connecticut
A blend of high intellect, determination, daring and an indomitable spirit fused to create an adventurer who realized successfully his vision. His legacy - future farmers on soil dedicated to agriculture.
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1982 John C. Macfarlane, Pembroke, Massachusetts
In recognition of this international reputation in the field of livestock conservation. This gentle and kindly man originated a weekly educational television program for children, which he produced successfully for 25 years. The program taught practical, common sense applications of humane principles. His pleasant manner and integrity of purpose are indicative of his high character.
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1981 Dr. Stanley Gaunt, Hadley, Massachusetts
When dynamic changes were sweeping aside age old practices, he was one of an elite corps of extension specialists who brought to dairying new field tested research findings that pointed the way to needed adjustments. A pioneer, an innovator and a veteran of over thirty years experience. Of him it should be said, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
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1980 George & Marjorie Wilde, Lenox, Massachusetts
Skilled utilization of sound breeding principles and excellent herd management have enabled this husband and wife partnership to establish a home bred herd whose impact on the Jersey breed is indelible. Their life work is a monument to their integrity of purpose and ceaseless search for excellence.
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1979 Robert H. Rumler, Brattleboro, Vermont
In recognition of his brilliant foresight, statesmanlike leadership and administrative achievement. His lifetime has been dedicated to the improvement of American agriculture and his remarkable talents devoted especially to the breeding and development of dairy cattle. His significant national and international contributions will long serve mankind.
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1978 Dr. James Horsfall, Hampden, Connecticut
A gentle Southerner, injected with Yankee drive and ingenuity, Dr. Horsfall has few, if any, equals in the fields of science and research. As Director Emeritus of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and a Member of the national Academy of Science, his research continues to be monitored around the world.
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1977 G. W. Wynne, West Springfield, Massachusetts
In recognition of an innovative leader with international stature, who translated into reality his dream of making "Eastern States" an outstanding exposition. With remarkable perception he developed a staff imbued with his own ideals. Innate courtesy and impeccable integrity are his hallmark. His impact upon the Exposition has been indelible.
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1976 Gordon Cameron, Springfield, Massachusetts
In recognition of the leadership which earned for him national stature throughout the Farm Credit System. For forty years he has demonstrated his faith in democratic principles and his complete confidence in the business judgment of farmers. His competence in management has been outstanding and his integrity of purpose has shown through a sterling character.
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1975 Wilfred B. Young, Storrs, Connecticut
In recognition of a gifted University of Connecticut dean and research director whose contribution has been immeasurable. His one-to-one relationship with students, faculty and farmers is cherished by all who know him. With great effectiveness he has served also as trustee, president and board chairman of the Eastern States Exposition.
Fred E. Beane, Manchester, New Hampshire
In recognition of an unrivalled pioneer farm editor who, as an interpreter and communicator of the agricultural revolution, has done much to shorten the time-lag between research findings and their application on the farm. Friendly, unassuming and always constructive, he is a beloved part of the New Hampshire farm scene.
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1974 Senator George David Aiken, Putney, Vermont
In recognition of a most distinguished United States Senator, Vermont's most distinguished son, a rugged farmer, an expert naturalist and an unassuming exemplar of common sense, homespun thinking. Forthrightness is his watchword and the common good his goal. He has risen to great power and has "walked with kings but kept the common touch."
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1973 Frank Atwood, Hartford, Connecticut
Throughout a lifetime as an interpreter and communicator...and for a quarter century as a pioneer radio-television farm program director... he has been a trusted liaison in fostering better understanding between urban and rural peoples. His integrity and competence have earned national recognition. His inspiring work with farm youth has been especially commendable.
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1972 Jonathan Davis, Sterling, Massachusetts
In recognition of his national leadership of farmer cooperatives. He combines the rare qualities of mediator and innovator. His solid achievements for agriculture will be felt for many years to come and will be a lofty benchmark for younger men to equal.
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1971 Richard D. Aplin, Boston, Massachusetts
As Boston Milk Market Administrator, his impartial enforcement of applicable laws has been a blessing for consumers, producers and milk handlers alike. Vision, integrity and quiet leadership are his hallmark. With a dedication that went beyond the call of duty he has made a monumental contribution to the dairy industry.
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1970 Julian B. Thayer, Middlefield, Connecticut
His lifetime of leadership in the northeast and in the nation has been a bulwark of strength to farm cooperatives; for cooperative farm credit that service has been monumental. Integrity is his hallmark. His faith in the ability of farmers to work together effectively has been unfailing.
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1969 Eldon J. Corbett, Colebrook, New Hampshire
Eldon J. Corbett has earned national stature as a singularly effective cooperative leader. Impeccable character, deep sincerity and quietly persuasive qualities of heart and mind have won for him faith in his leadership and the respect and affection of his fellow. New England is proud of this stalwart agricultural statesman.
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1968 Louis A. Zehner, Lexington, Massachusetts
In recognition of a friendly, unassuming, diplomatic emissary of new ideas and high ideals whose imprint on our agriculture has been significant. His efforts to help men reach beyond their selfish goals and join hands in the pursuit of excellence for the common good have been untiring; his selflessness limitless.
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1965 J. Loring Brooks, Wilbraham, Massachusetts
Host and husbandman; his enthusiasm: contagious; his constructive planning: imaginative; acknowledged master of productions multi-gaited and multi-gated; each season his capable hands guide the spirited pair, Industry and Agriculture, in a display of unsurpassed regional achievement: the Show Window of the East.
R. DeWitt Mallary, Bradford, Vermont
Master Breeder of Black and Whites, his trustworthy leadership in the National Holstein Friesian Association extends across the nation. Vision, integrity and seasoned judgment are his hallmark. As chairman of the board, his contribution to the Eastern States Exposition has been vital and constructive.
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1964 Elmer E. Towne, Montpelier, Vermont
From her rugged granite: integrity; from her Green Mountains: perspective; from lifelong association with her people, her herds and her farms: dry humor and "horse sense"... Vermont has combined all these and more in this native son. Able administrator, respected and versatile farm leader, applied economist...truly, New England's agricultural Statesman.
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1963 Harry E. Umphrey, Presque Isle, Maine
With his roots firmly planted in Aroostook County and with unwavering faith in its future, he has made an invaluable lifetime contribution to the potato industry and to the total economy, locally, regionally, and nationally. Integrity, competence, and neighborliness shave been his hallmark. Affection, respect and success have been his deserved rewards.
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1962 Ken E. Geyer, Wethersfield, Connecticut
For vision and leadership in cooperative dairy marketing. His early recognition of new marketing trends and his unique ability to lead without dominating have helped Connecticut dairymen make prompt and practical adjustments to constantly changing economic forces.
Kenneth S. Morrow and Kenneth R. Fowler, Durham, New Hampshire
For blending a profound knowledge of nutrition and genetics with superlative dairy herd management. By lifting the herds of the University of New Hampshire to production levels unexcelled in the nation, they have furnished to breeders and students of dairy husbandry an inspiring example of the practical application of science to dairy farming.
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1961 Fred J. Nutter, Corinna, Maine
For productive farming and progressive leadership. His career proves the worth of a strong farm family team. His dedicated management has developed a dairy herd of internationally recognized excellence. Depth of character, integrity of purpose, and broad understanding have made him a sought after leader in state, regional, and national farm organizations.
Oliver J. Hubbard, Walpole, New Hampshire
For poultry pioneering and generous public service. Under his leadership Hubbard Farms has branched to distant points from roots deep in New Hampshire soil with products having a reputation for quality solid as the granite of his native state while his personal interest has helped enrich and foster economic and social development in his community and his state.
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1960 Myron C. Peabody, Springfield, Massachusetts
For lifelong devotion to the well-being of New England farms and farmers. As a leader in agricultural banking for 38 years, he guided the Farm Credit Banks of Springfield to increasingly wider service, and he has given generously his competence, steadfastness and loyalty to many projects for regional betterment.
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1959 Quentin Reynolds, West Springfield, Massachusetts
For sturdy leadership in America's agricultural cooperative movement. With deep understanding of stern economic facts and a clear vision of high principles, he led the Eastern States Farmers' Exchange for a quarter century with proficiency and integrity which earned respect for him and the organization throughout the United States and abroad.
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1958 John Donald Black, Cambridge, Massachusetts
For breadth and depth of economic study and teaching. He has focused the lens of economic analysis on rural New England to reveal its elements with new clarity. He has sowed fruitful seeds of thought in the minds of many. His counsel based on appreciation of practical farm problems is followed by his own and other nations.
George L. Moore, Wellesley, Massachusetts
For developing an enlightened understanding among New England farmers, consumers and distributors. By skillful use of pen and picture he has described farmers and farming with warmth and color. As a respected spokesman for food distributors he has shown that progressive food marketing in New England requires high quality standards in both production and merchandising.
Harold J. Shaw, Sanford, Maine
For blending the skills of an outstanding forage producer and of a master breeder to bring land and livestock to superior achievements. From the farm of his forefathers his leadership in the Holstein-Friesian Association of America has extended across the nation. He has demonstrated that the future is bright for those who pursue an ideal with integrity and devotion.
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1957 Arthur L. Deering, Orono, Maine
For leadership in developing professional dignity in the nation's agricultural extension services. His warm sympathy for and understanding of the needs and desires of extension workers has radiated from the country's easternmost state across the United States and into foreign lands to spark projects for professional betterment and maintenance of high morale.
Joseph E. Carrigan, Burlington, Vermont
For effectiveness in translating his intimate knowledge of Vermont farming and warm respect for farmers into sound programs for extending practical agricultural education throughout the Green Mountain State and far beyond its borders. With feet firmly planted in home soil he has stretched tall in leadership with a vision of farther horizons in time and space beckoning agriculture to greater progress.
J. Ralph Graham, Boscawen, New Hampshire
For his unselfish giving of his own great energy and enthusiasm during four decades to many causes for improvement of agriculture and enrichment of rural living. As a founder of the Green Pastures Program and in other projects he has planted firmly and cultivated ceaselessly the deep conviction that farm program should grow from the grassroots of good husbandry.
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1956 Mrs. Abbie C. Sargent, Bedford, New Hampshire
For effective representation of the nation's farm women in the country's highest councils. During many years both men and women have chosen her to lead them in community, county, and state organizations.
Edward H. Thomson, Springfield, Massachusetts
For prudent leadership in farm financing. While dealing with the impersonal dollars and cents of balance sheets, he has not forgotten that integrity of borrower and lender is the most important asset in banking.
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1955 S. McLean Buckingham, Watertown, Connecticut
For pioneering in agricultural production and organization. Combining early training as a lawyer with experience as a successful dairyman and poultryman, he has been a trusted guide in the establishing and the leadership of many organizations benefitting both farmers and the general public.
John Chandler, Sterling, Massachusetts
For pre-eminence in agricultural marketing. Rooted in his own Meadowbrook orchard, his ideas and persuasive leadership have brought forth fruits which have benefitted all who grow apples and the millions who consume them.
James Gray Watson, Springfield, Massachusetts
In recognition of constructive editorial leadership. As editor of "New England Homestead" he has reported news of New England agriculture with understanding rooted in sound knowledge of farming and has interpreted it with respect for farmers and balanced regard for national welfare.
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1954 Hubert Dana Goodale, Williamstown, Massachusetts
In recognition of his pioneer studies in the selected family method of breeding for poultry productivity. By penetrating observation and intelligent interpretation of facts gathered during four decades, he has validated genetic principles upon which New England's poultry industry bases its progress.
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1953 Elbert Sidney Brigham, St. Albans, Vermont
In recognition of world-renowned achievement in dairy farming over half a century. By skill in soil and crop management and by application of the laws of animal heredity he has pioneered in grassland farming and has developed a herd of jersey cattle with productivity unsurpassed for one of its size by any breed.
Donald Forsha Jones, Mt. Carmel, Connecticut
In recognition of an almost immeasurable contribution to the world's food supply by the development of double-cross hybrid corn. With an imagination which delved below and soared above the findings of his predecessors, he translated the learning of the laboratory into the fruitfulness of the field.
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