Class of 2018

Robert Core is a retired farmer and agricultural teacher, who resided in Allen County for over 72 years. He was a fifth generation owner operator of an Ohio Department of Agriculture certified Century and Sesquicentennial Farm near Spencerville. Mr. Core’s twenty-five year career as a vocational agriculture teacher, FFA advisor, and Young Farmer Association advisor began in 1962 at Shawnee High School. From 1979 to 1999 he served those same roles at Spencerville High School. Very few Allen County farmers have had the opportunity to influence as many in the Allen County agricultural community as Robert Core. It was a true work of passion for him to serve this role in his home community of Spencerville. He worked tirelessly to provide opportunities, experiences and support for the young men and women in his care. And through many different leadership and supporting roles, Mr. Core played a significant role in the development of agriculturalists throughout Allen County and across Ohio. Agriculture education and proficiency in Allen County and the State of Ohio have undeniably been enriched through the participation and efforts of Robert Core.

Barrett D. Feigh, Sr. is a retired farmer who still resides on the farm near Hume that his father purchased in 1942. His love for farming was born from livestock enterprises that he and his siblings managed on that 80 acres. Despite those humble beginnings, Mr. Feigh’s grain farm acreage expanded over time to a quite considerable and impressive operation. He admits that two important keys to his success have been to surround himself with innovative farmers who would assist and challenge one another, and to continually educate himself on all facets of crop production so that he could improve his proficiency and keep up with a rapidly advancing industry. He clearly recalls his father’s farm tenant, Paul Loyer, working the ground with horses and marvels at how nearly 70 years later they are using the latest in technology, tractors and equipment on that same acreage. His leadership and many contributions to the Allen County Fair Board and Lima Farmer’s Club also weighed heavily in his selection for this honor. Barrett Feigh’s distinctive standard of excellence in farm management and his participation in advancing the industry has earned him a rightful place in the Allen County Agriculture Hall of Fame.