Beech Tree News Network

Tuesday, September 10th, was the 75th Annual Butler County Farm Bureau Membership Meeting at the Eva J. Hawes Agriculture Exposition and Community Center.  President Betty Farris welcomed everyone to the meeting, followed by Woody Moore giving the invocation.  Greg Drake presented a special video commemorating 75 years of Farm Bureau.  Played over the video was the iconic Paul Harvey’s “God Made the Farmer” poem. 

After dinner catered by Gone Fishin’, Vice President Shane Wells gave the introduction of guests.  Afterwards, the meeting began with President Betty Farris presiding.  Gregory Drake II provided the minutes and treasurer’s report.  Greg Drake brought the resolutions committee report.  Barbara Sullivan presented Laura Hunt, daughter of Ben and Debbie Hunt, with the Scholarship Award. 
Rita Drake brought the Women’s Activity report.  Chairman Ryan Pendley gave the Young Farmer’s Report.  Dwight Greenwell from Kentucky Farm Bureau updated members on Membership Services. 

Agency Manager James Runion gave the insurance report and some history notes of  Farm Bureau.  He noted that 1962 was the earliest record of Butler County Farm Bureau officers.  Milton Clark was President, Gabe Keen-Vice President and Tony Stahl-Secretary.  James further explained that between  1962-63 there was no place to meet. Later, monthly meetings were held at the Rural Electric Association (REA) building.  The going rate for car insurance that year was $20.62.  In 1962, there were 258 members.  The board paid money for secretary school.  The major issue that year was the polio vaccine. 
Next, Ryan Pendley presented Joey and Sherry Kirby as the Outstanding Young Farm Family.  Gregory Drake presented a fantastic and heartfelt tribute to the late Mr. Bill Hampton. He then presented the Outstanding Service to Agriculture award to Betty Daugherty, who began her career in 1971. 

Betty has worked with the likes of Greg Drake, Tracy Cowles, Lloyd Saylor, Rush Midkiff, among others. During her career she helped get 2,400 children to 4-H camp, worked with over 9,000 4-H kids and parents, and helped prepare 165 quarterly Farm Bureau council meetings.

Sam Moore presenting Randall Farris with the Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau award. 

Don Sullivan, chair, presented the Nomination Committee Report. 
Elected Director and Officers for the coming year:
President Betty Farris
Vice-President Shane Wells

2013-14 Board of Directors:
Ryan & Dana Pendley
Darren & Amy Rice
Patrick & LeeAnn Daugherty                Johnny (Gigi) & Pam Rose
Greg & Rita Drake                                                          Randall & Betty Farris
Shane & Felicia Wells                          Danny & Sabrina Farris
Greg II & Shanna Drake                    Russell & Wendy Givens
Sam & Helen Moore                        Dwayne & Labrisha Mckinney
Woody & Margaret Moore                    Nathan Hampton           
Don & Barbara Sullivan
Robert & Amanda Taylor
Darwin & Rhonda Heard
Secretary/Treasurer is elected at the October meeting.  Door prizes were given and the meeting was adjourned.

Story and photos by Andy Sullivan, Beech Tree News/WLBQ 1570am