Beech Tree News Network

Tuesday night September 9, the 76th Annual Farm Bureau Meeting was held at the Eva J. Hawes Agriculture Exposition and Community Center.  President Betty Farris welcomed everyone to the meeting.  After the invocation given by Woody Moore, dinner followed catered by Green River Catering. 
After the meal, a video of Kentucky Farm Bureau reports throughout the years was shared.  That led to the news that Butler County Farm Bureau won Top County Honors of 2013.  According to Farris Butler County is the smallest county to win the honor. Shane Wells introduced special guests for the evening; among them Mayor Linda Keown, Butler County Judge David Fields, Matt Fields and Fritz Geisky (KY Farm Bureau). 
Business was then called to order by President Betty Farris.  Greg Drake brought the minutes and treasurer’s report.  Both were approved as read.  Greg Drake Sr. spoke as Resolutions Committee chairman.  County resolutions were adopted.  Barbara Sullivan gave the Scholarship Committee report. Tyler Johnson was last year’s recipient of the scholarship.  Rita Drake reported on the Women’s Program and the many programs sponsored throughout the year. She also reported that 125 were in attendance at the recent Field Day at Reedyville. 
Beech Tree News co-owner Diane Dyer was recognized for providing coverage of  Butler County Farm Bureau news on the on-line news site and WLBQ 101.5. 

Young Farmer chair Ryan Pendley reported Butler County Young Farmers received a Gold Star from Kentucky Farm Bureau.  Robert Taylor presented Nathan Hampton with the Butler County Young Farmer Award. 

Shane Wells presented Karen Evans with the Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award. 

Outstanding service to Farm Bureau Award went to Deanna Russ.

Butler County Farm Bureau agent James Runion enlightened us on the Farm Bureau membership benefits and discounts.  Dwight Greenwall of Kentucky Farm Bureau talked more about benefits.

Don Sullivan, nominating committee chair, brought the current year’s director nominations-a two year term. 
Shane Wells-President
Gregory Drake II-Vice President
The members elect President and Vice President.  The board elects Secretary and Treasurer. 

New President Shane Wells recognized former President Betty Farris for her four years of service as the first female president of Butler County Farm Bureau.  Door prizes were given and the meeting was adjourned. 

Story by Andy Sullivan, Beech Tree News