HARRISBURG, Pa. — On Feb. 19, PennAg Industries Association had the great privilege of honoring two individuals for outstanding accomplishments in the agriculture industry at the PennAg Annual Banquet, held at the Spooky Nook Complex, Manheim, Pennsylvania. Larry Weaver and John Martin are the 2019 recipients of the PennAg Distinguished Service Awards.
The Distinguished Service Award, the Association’s highest acknowledgement of achievement, is presented each year to one industry and one non-industry recipient. The award for the industry recipient is intended to honor lifetime achievement in agribusiness. The non-industry award recognizes a person whose achievements have benefited agribusiness. Nominees are provided by members of the association; recipients are selected by the PennAg Board of Directors.
2019 PennAg Distinguished Service Award Recipient: Larry Weaver
The PennAg Industries Association Board of Directors is pleased to announce Larry Weaver as the 2019 Distinguished Service Award Recipient, Non-Industry Category. Weaver has provided great leadership throughout his career and continues daily in his work to benefit the agriculture industry.
Weaver has contributed to agriculture his entire life, beginning his farming career at age 19. He has held all offices with 4-H, was the president of FFA, vice-president to the Pennsylvania State FFA and is a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Ephrata Fair Board for 22 years and many other agriculture-related committees. He is a special advisor to the Friends of Farm Show Foundation for the past six years. Weaver also served as the Assistant Director of the PA Farm Show Complex from 2003-2012 and continues with production agriculture at Weaverland Valley Farms.
He takes pride in his many awards and accomplishments, including a Master Farmer award, Garden Spot Young Farmers Outstanding Young Farmer, numerous grand champion beef stock awards regional and national, as well as Weaverland Valley Farms being named Pennsylvania’s Angus Association Breeder of the Year for many years in a row. He continues to contribute to the agriculture industry through the Friends of Farm Show Foundation and through his farm.
2019 PennAg Distinguished Service Award Recipient: John Martin
The PennAg Industries Association Board of Directors is pleased to announce John Martin as the 2019 Distinguished Service Award Recipient, Industry Category. Dedicating many years to the Pennsylvania poultry industry, Martin has provided exemplary insight and vision throughout his career.
Martin joined Longenecker’s Hatchery in the 1960’s to develop a breeder program, which was successful in making the company what it is today. He was prevalent in making Longenecker’s last through some of the biggest changes to rock the poultry industry. He was part of the team of forward thinkers and remains a key part of the business as it celebrates its 100th year.
Martin contributed many years to the poultry industry, serving on the National Poultry Improvement Plan’s general conference committee, the Pennsylvania Poultry Federation Broiler Council and taking home many different accolades and achievements pertaining to the industry. He continues in his 50th year as an asset to Longenecker’s Hatchery, as well as the poultry industry in Pennsylvania and the United States.
“We are privileged to recognize two men, both of whom are so very deserving of the PennAg Distinguished Service Award. The many accomplishments and outstanding efforts these individuals have put forth for the betterment of their communities as well as the agribusiness industry have not gone unnoticed,” said Christian Herr, executive vice president of PennAg Industries Association. “The agriculture industry in Pennsylvania continues to thrive thanks to the foresight and work ethic of those in the agriculture community. Providing careers of distinct service and leadership, both Larry and John have set a remarkable example for others to follow. We look forward to continuing our relationship with both of these outstanding individuals, as PennAg strives to maintain a competitive environment for agribusiness to grow and prosper in Pennsylvania. Congratulations.”
In addition to the annual Distinguished Service awards, PennAg also had the great honor of recognizing Dr. David Wolfgang for his years of dedicated service to Pennsylvania agriculture. As state veterinarian and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission and even prior to that in his time at Penn State University, Dr. Wolfgang has seen his share of changes and challenges within the industry. Taking them all in stride, he has been a tremendous resource and great communicator to producers, fellow veterinarians and citizens alike.
“We thank Dr. Wolfgang for his leadership and dedication to Pennsylvania agriculture,” said Herr. “His leadership and experience proved crucial during many animal health challenges throughout the years. And, led by Dr. Wolfgang, those challenges have been met with prudent planning and swift action. PennAg congratulates Dr. Wolfgang on his pending retirement.”
— PennAg Industries Association