Multiple halls of fame welcomed new inductees
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Multiple halls of fame across America are welcoming new inductees who contributed to the success of the ag sector.
In Michigan, for example, six farmers received inductions into the Michigan Farmers’ Hall of Fame.
The inductees are Ken and Liz Nobis, Kim and Allan Overhiser, Remus Rigg and Ira Krupp.
“I think it’s a very high honor,” Allan Overhiser, a farmer from South Haven, Mich., said in a video. “The group that preceded us that fills the walls here are quality people, they care about their industry.”
In South Dakota, a former ag secretary received an induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Walt Bones served as Secretary of Agriculture under Gov. Dennis Daugaard for three years from 2010 to 2013.
He’s also a farmer and has been involved in many organizations including the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and the South Dakota Farm Bureau.
With his induction, he joins his father in the hall of fame. His father, Walter Jr. received an induction in 1988.
“There is, I think, only two other father/son teams that have been inducted there. Again, it didn't start out as a lifelong goal,” Bones told South Dakota Public Broadcasting. “Twenty years ago, I didn't say, "Hey, this is what I want to do," but you just do what you've got to do.”
A member of New Mexico’s ag community is receiving a posthumous induction into the National Agricultural Center’s Hall of Fame.
Fabiola Cabeza de Baca (1894-1991) was the first Spanish-speaking agent in New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service.
Her work also included education and helped document the state’s heritage through books and recipes.
“The results of Fabiola’s focus on accessible agriculture education resonate still today,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “You can see her work and forethought when we talk about food safety and being a champion for the diverse communities in New Mexico by demonstrating the cultural relevance and versatility of different agricultural practices.”
And at least one state ag hall of fame is looking for nominations.
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame will accept nominations until Nov. 1.
The first hall of famers were inducted in 1987. Since then, a total of 176 people have received inductions.
The induction ceremony will take place March 1 at the DoubleTree in Little Rock, Ark.