Class of 2024

Randy Jones and his family own and operate Jones Show Cattle, a cattle operation of 220+ head of cattle with emphasis on seedstock and show stock. Cattle raised at JSC are successful at the local, state and national levels. The genetics have made an impact in their respective breeds. Jones Show Cattle has been a generous supporter of the Allen County Junior Fair Live Stock Sale, and Randy’s other company, R.D. Jones Excavating, has donated countless hours of work at the Allen County Fairgrounds and fair. In addition, Randy is a contributor to the Simmental Association, the Maine Anjou Association and Ohio Cattlemen’s Association.

Randy is also a member of the Allen County Cattlemen’s Association; the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association; and a member of the Angus, Simmental and Maine Anjou Associations. He was Ohio Seedstock Producer of the Year; was multiple times Premier Breeder and Exhibitor at the North American International Livestock Exposition, National Western Stock Show and American Royal; and an honorary member of Allen East FFA. Confident, intelligent and inherently helpful, Randy thrives on the challenge of solving problems with a humble demeanor and selfless approach. With a knack for finding solutions and a passion for making a positive impact, Randy embodies the essence of a problem solver dedicated to serving his family, friend and community.

Gary Luginbill grew up on a farm outside of Columbus Grove. He married Laura Frey, whose parents owned Ohio Dusting Company which provided aerial and ground fertilizer and chemical application to local farms. In 1987, Gary and Laura purchased the Farmers Elevator in Pandora and Pandora Grain and Supply was born. Starting off with just a few dedicated employees,  Gary and Laura worked diligently building relationships and their business. Several years later, the couple purchased the elevator in Bluffton and then the Beaverdam elevator. This allowed Pandora Grain and Supply to expand its reach further into Allen County and service more of the farming community. In 2020, the primary operations originally housed at the Pandora location were moved to the larger Beaverdam location. This allowed for further expansion due to the rail access and proximity to I-75.

Pandora Grain and Supply has supported numerous agricultural programs in Allen, Putnam, Hancock and surrounding counties, including the the fairs’ livestock sales and 4-H clubs. Gary and Laura are members of the Allen County and Putnam County Farm Bureaus, and Ohio Agribusiness Association. Gary also visited Ukraine as part of a mission group to help local farmers develop sustainable plans for their farms. Laura founded Challenged Champions Equestrian Center which  provides equine assisted activities for hundreds of people with a variety of special needs.

One of Todd Schaub’s greatest loves and investments into the agricultural community in Allen County was rooted in the Allen County Fairgrounds. Todd was a generous supporter of the 4-H/FFA members in Allen County for over 25 years, specifically in the junior fair livestock auction. As owner and president of S&S Volvo, Todd was a top 10 buyer at the auction 14 years. He also contributed the Allen County Farm Bureau t-shirts that were handed out to every livestock kid in Allen County at their interviews. Todd’s support of the agricultural industry in Allen County was not limited to the junior fair. He was an extremely generous supporter of the senior fair. S&S Volvo sponsored numerous fair events including the annual truck, tractor and semi pulls.

Todd was also heavily involved and invested in 4-H organizations and fairs in Auglaize, Darke and Franklin counties and the state of Michigan. One of Todd’s most significant contributions outside of Allen County was at the Ohio State Fair Sale of Champions in 2022. S&S Volvo purchased the Grand Champion Market Steer for a record breaking $225,000. A fixed amount of this money goes to the exhibitor and the rest goes into a youth reserve program at the state fair. Todd was a very generous man who possessed a heart of gold and never met a stranger. His work ethic was the catalyst that made S&S Volvo one of the premier dealerships in the nation.

Joe and Rachel Schmersal built Bacon-N-Bakin’ Farms from the group up, beginning with a testament of faith in God, each other, and the American dream. With no inherited farmland or machinery, many believed this dream impossible. However, much grit, determination and faith proved otherwise. In 1967, after purchasing and repairing a burned tractor, Joe rented 18 acres. The next year he rented a little more. Slowly but surely, he was farming while continuing to work third shift at Ohio Steel. After purchasing 59 acres and four bred gilts, Joe and Rachel grew their farm to an operation of over 1,000 acres in crop production and a 150 sow farrow-to-finish hog operation. Though Bacon-N-Bakin’ Farms has since retired from the pork industry, production of corn, soybeans and wheat continues on their family farm.

With a commitment to learning and keeping up with modern farming practices, as well as many years serving on the Allen Soil & Water Conservation District Board, Joe became an advocate for no-till farming. In 1991, he committed his entire operation to 100% no-till. Joe is a recognized leader in Allen County for his early commitment to no-till farming, cover crop applications and continually striving for soil health improvements year after year. Joe and Rachel were active members of the Allen County Farm Bureau and Allen County Pork Producers and Joe served on the steering committee that created the annual Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference.