Class of 2021

Jay Begg was a 6^th generation farmer in Monroe Township.  But he is best remembered for his long-time role with the Allen County Fair, where he served as the Fair Manager for 17 years. Jay served eight years as an Allen County Commissioner and during that time assisted in the successful campaign to restore an OSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator in Allen County. He was also a past president of the Allen County Farm Bureau.

Gene McCluer operated a dairy farm in Auglaize Township before his 23 year career as an OSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator assigned to neighboring Hardin County. His work with OSU Extension served farmers statewide. Gene assisted in the successful campaign to restore an OSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator in Allen County. He also served 35 years on the United Rural Electric/Mid-Ohio Rural Electric board of trustees.

Gerald “Jerry” Brooks was a grain and livestock farmer in Richland Township. He is heralded as a passionate pioneer and champion in the practices of no-till and reduced tillage. Jerry influenced and guided other farmers by hosting educational events and field days. He served 22 years on the Richland Township Zoning Commission and 11 years as a delegate to the Lima Allen County Regional Planning Commission. In these roles, Jerry aided the integration of agriculture preservation in township comprehensive plans.

Clyde Ditto is a full-time, progressive farmer in Amanda Township. His involvement in and leadership to the Elida and Ohio Young Farmers Associations is evidence of his dedication to agricultural education and networking. Dating back to his youth, Clyde has an extensive record of contributions to the Allen County Fair – 24 years as a fair board director, designer of 18 major projects, chaired the livestock sale committee, helped establish the Fair Foundation, and much more.

Harry, Myrna and Scott Shutt have a love for the Allen County community and they display that every day through their commitment to support local agriculture.  The great taste of a Kewpee hamburger is locally raised beef, fresh ground daily and never frozen – successful in part to their long-standing local partnerships with Keystone Meats and Nickles Bakery. The Shutt family also believes in sustaining agriculture into the future by annually supporting Junior Fair youth livestock sales and the carcass show.