Class of 2016

Fred L. Arnold was born and raised on the family farm near Beaverdam in Richland Township. A descendant of several generations of farmers, he was destined to serve the agricultural community. Even though Fred raised beef and dairy cattle and farmed over 1,000 acres of corn, soybeans and other crops, his nomination emphasizes his 27 years of service to the Allen County Fair Board. Fred served that board for four years as Vice President and nine as President. He was instrumental in getting $750,000 for improvements to the fairgrounds from the Allen County Commissioners. His leadership enabled the addition of 45 acres to the grounds, revamping of the midway, creation of a new entrance, construction of a new show arena, bringing in top entertainment, and making it one of the top county fairs in Ohio. Fred was an officer in the Ohio Fair Managers Association – with his efforts helping to keep the inspections of rides and games under the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Fred went on work for the Ohio Department of Agriculture for eight years – two years as Administrative Coordinator of County and Independent Fairs, and six years as the Chief of Grain Warehousing. In the latter role Fred was instrumental in passing a state revision in Grain Warehouse laws, and lobbying for the same regulations at the federal level, which closed loopholes and provided more indemnity protection for farmers across the nation. Fred is an Army veteran, having served in Germany. His nomination recognizes numerous leadership roles and awards at the local, state and national level. Fred’s nomination was submitted by his cousin, Tom Arnold.

Russel M. Long is credited as a pioneer in the artificial insemination industry in Allen County, working for COBA/Select Sires from 1947 to 1985. He served as an inseminator for 28 years, and then 10 years as a district route sales representative, covering 30 counties in western Ohio. Later, he served 5 years as a milk testing supervisor with Ohio Ag Services. Due to his work in this advancing technology, he was a major contributor to the improvement of the dairy and beef herds in Allen County and Ohio though improved genetics. Russ also played an important role in organizing the Allen County Dairy Service Unit and establishing the Milk Tent at the Allen County Fair in 1947. He served as that organization’s manager/treasurer for 25 years. Russel was born and raised on the family farm in Jackson Township. Upon reflecting on his service to the Allen County Agriculture Industry, Russel reflects, “My involvement with the Fair, the Junior Fair, and promoting the milk industry have been most important to me, and a very rewarding part of my life.” Russel is a World War II Army veteran, having served in the Pacific Theater. He is currently an active congregant of the First Baptist Church and member at St. Rose, both in Lima, but has spent many notable years in fundraising for the parish and L.C.C. Schools. Russel’s nomination was submitted by his brother, Gene Long.

Lester Fleming had farmed in Allen County from 1940 to 1944, when he was drafted during WWII. He returned to the home farm in 1959, starting with a 12 cow herd and 140 acres. By his retirement in 1986 his dairy operation had increased to 120 cows and 350 acres. Lester is recognized as an early adopter of new dairy technology. The quality of his operation has been acknowledged by the numerous production awards he received from the Allen County Dairy Service Unit including high volume, high butterfat content and high protein. His willingness to lead and serve numerous agricultural and other community organizations during his lifetime also gives him great distinction. He may be best known for his 28 years as a Jackson Township Trustee, 15 years as Manager/Treasurer of the milk tent at the Allen County Fair, and his passion for supporting Allen County youth. Immediately following WWII he taught Veteran’s Ag Classes in Ada for farmers in that area. He also worked at the Ada Dairy for nine years. His service to other organizations includes the Allen County Farm Bureau, Allen County Health Board, Federal Land Bank Board (now Farm Credit Services of Mid-America), Allen County ASCS Committee (now USDA Farm Services Agency), Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative, Ohio and National Holstein Associations, Allen County OSU Extension Advisory Council, and St. Mark Lutheran Church in Ada.
Lester is being honored posthumously. His nomination was submitted by his son, Thomas Fleming.

Thomas Fleming’s career as an OSU Extension 4-H Agent in Williams County ended after only 4 months when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving two years in Germany. In 1972 he returned home and joined his father Lester’s dairy operation. He started with 50 cows and 200 acres and increased the operation to as many as 200 cows and 350 acres. In 1986 he managed the dairy farm on his own until 2013, when he turned the operation over to his son. From 1979 – 2015 Tom garnered local and state awards for his excellence as a dairy producer and a leader in the industry. Tom’s nomination was submitted by friend and farmer Gene McCluer. Gene notes that, “Tom demonstrates a high level of personal integrity, and is an unselfish, fair, thoughtful, wise, calm, considerate and humble leader.” Bernie Heisner, general manager of COBA/Select Sires describes Tom as the “preeminent dairy leader. If something important is happening in the dairy industry, Tom’s counsel or credible testimony will be sought on how best to proceed.”

Tom served on the board of COBA/Select Sires for 30 years – 11 as president. He served eight years on the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Milk Sanitation Board. During his 20 years as President of the Ohio Dairy Farmers Federation, he was instrumental in the successful merger of that organization and its successor organization, the Ohio Dairy Producers Association. Tom served on the Ohio Beef Council for nine years – two as President. He represented the dairy industry on the Ohio Farm Animal Care Coalition and helped form the Ohio Livestock Coalition. Countless other organizations and leadership roles were omitted from this list, but one that does need to be acknowledged is that he has been a dedicated board member for the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities since 2011 – serving as their President since 2012.