55 years ago
Harry Tumilty Jr. of Center Township, Rush County, Ind., was awarded a prize for winning the state 4-H tomato club contest. He was state winner in the double tonnage contest, producing an average of 14.8 tons per acre from an eight-acre field.

Farmers residing in “The Farmer” area scored heavily in judging at the Purdue University corn and grain show. Newton W. Halterman, Rushville Township, Rush County, is the Indiana Corn King with his 10 ears of Indiana Hybrid Seed 844D; and Clarence A. Dyer, Center Township, won the Reserve Championship with his 10-ear single cross, Wf9x38-11.

Willard Pickering won the certified wheat championship at the Purdue Agriculture Conference. Willard and son, George, farm between Lewisville and Straugh in Henry County.

A six-year-old ewe on the Willie Thorn farms just east of Messick, Henry County, gave birth to seven lambs in one year, 10 in a two-year period.
Gaar Eliason and son, Don, Centerville, Wayne County, won the state champion and reserve champion certified soybean championship.

40 years ago

Hancock Feed and Grain, Inc. in Fortville officially closed its door Dec. 31, 1970, according to Jack Stiles, manager of the firm.

Keith Irvin of New Castle has been honored by the American society of Animal Science for ranking in the top 10 percent of the junior class in Purdue University’s School of Agriculture last year. Irvin is now a senior at Purdue.
A farm management team composed of Paul Robbins, Howard Doster, Clay Cundiff and Bill Head will conduct a workshop on adapting a computer to your farm operation.

Purdue University’s Agricultural Alumni Assoc. will dedicate its 1971 Fish Fry program to Dr. Frederick L. Hovde, who will retire in June after 25 years as President of Purdue. Secretary of Agriculture Clifford M. Hardin, a Purdue graduate, will deliver a personal testimonial to Dr. Hovde at the fish fry. The Purdue Varsity Glee Club and All-American Band will entertain.

25 years ago

Robert and Joyce Persinger of Boggstown were named Conservation Farmers of the Year. This award was presented to them at the Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ annual conference banquet at Purdue University.
Rush County Achievement Program recently held its awards ceremony. Receiving the Callahan Awards for Outstanding Service were Carole Meyer and Bruce Fudge for Achievement; Karen Mahan and Richard Yager for Citizenship; and Sylinda Wright and Mark Niccum for Leadership.

The “I Dare You” awards were given to Ann Meyer and Greg Schroeder, outstanding boy and girl in the county. Dedication of the evening program was awarded to Norman Winkler, a Posey Township farmer. This award is given annually to a person for their contributions to the Rush County Cooperative Extension Service programs.

Purdue University began its 100th annual Eight Week Winter Courses in Agriculture. There were 67 young men and women, all from Indiana, who have applied for the winter course. Thirty-nine are enrolled in the general agriculture curriculum; 19 in animal sciences; six in plant agriculture; and three in pest management.

The winter courses offer 20 classes in modern, practical agriculture production. For the first time, the winter courses will offer a course in computer applications for agriculture.

10 years ago
M. Scott Smith has been appointed new dean of agriculture at the University of Kentucky. Smith replaces retiring dean C. Oran Little.

A barn fire claimed about 3,000 hogs, including many gestating sows, belonging to Lynn Peters of Flora, Ind. Damage at the southwestern Carroll County farm was estimated at about $80,000.

Funds to help communities restore historic buildings and preserve Indiana history will nearly double next year, enabling the state to support more preservation projects, reports Larry Macklin, Department of Natural Resources director.

New 2001 Ford F-350 Crew Cab, Lariat, 4x4, DRW, Power stroke diesel, AT w/OD, 4.10 L/S axle, HD suspension, off-road package, 6 disc CD, pwr. Tele. Mirrors, 40-2-40 leather seat, fully equipped, list $41,270 – our price $37,900, at Kenny Vice Ford Sales, Ladoga, Ind.

Lugar essay contest winners named at the Indiana Farm Bureau Convention were Michelle Kennedy of Rensselaer and John Leer of Carmel, and will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.