Annual banquet honors local farmers
St. Clair County Farmers Federation hosted its annual Farm-City Banquet last week. The purpose of Farm-City is to strengthen the understanding of the relationship between rural farmers and urban workers. Since 1955, Farm-City committees have hosted events to increase awareness of the importance of agriculture in people’s everyday life.
President Roland St. John welcomed those in attendance. Several awards were given out in recognition of various accomplishments.
The Frank Morris family was named the 2015 St. Clair County Outstanding Farm Family. This award is given to active farming families who promote agriculture in the communities in which they live. Donald Ray Walker presented the Morris Family with a plaque.
Mrs. Staples announced the 4th-6th grade Farm-City Poster Contest Honorable Mention and winning participants. The theme this year was Agriculture: Sustaining Future Generations. Emily Sullens, will represent the county in the state poster competition. State winners will be featured in the 2017 Farm-City Calendar.
Mrs. Staples explained that the K- 3rd grade Farm-City Poster Honorable Mentions and Winners will be invited to the Dec. 14 meeting, and that the Farm-City Essay and Multimedia Contest participants will receive awards on Jan. 11.
Lee Ann Clark, Regional Extension Agent and County Farm-City Co-Chair introduced the keynote speaker Chris Becker, who works to promote farming as a way of life for veterans.