• Any individual, who has been involved with agriculture for a minimum of 25 years
• derives the bulk of his/her income principally from agriculture, or has retired from an agricultural enterprise

• Contributions to Agriculture-
  Two opportunities for demonstrating a nominee’s level of contribution are provided for on the nomination form. Section A calls for a listing of agricultural organizations in which the nominee is active; Section D, a narrative description of the nominee’s contribution to agriculture in Oklahoma.
• Contributions to State-
  The Governor’s Outstanding Achievement Award in Agriculture is intended to recognize that agriculture is an integral part of our society and that agriculturalists are typically contributors to the well-being of their states. Two opportunities are provided on the nomination form to characterize a nominee’s level of commitment to his/her state. Information should be provided in Section B on state organizations in which the nominee is actively involved. A narrative description of the nominee’s statewide activities, citing examples where possible, should also be included in Section D of the nomination form.
• Statewide Recognition-
  An opportunity exists in Section C to show agricultural and statewide recognition of a nominee’s accomplishments. A narrative description of the nominee’s accomplishments may also be included in Section D of the nomination form.

"Pamp" Howe became the charter member of the Governor's Oklahoma Agricultural Hall of Fame on March 17, 1998. At the induction ceremony at the State Capitol, Governor Frank Keating said Mr. Howe embodied the essence and spirit of what Thomas Jefferson referred to as the "Yeoman farmer" who he saw as the backbone of this nation.

Mr. Howe helped bring rural water and electrical service as well as health insurance coverage to south central Oklahoma. Noted for a dedication production agriculture and community service, this Nebo, Oklahoma dairyman was recognized as a valuable leader while still a young man struggling to build the first Grade A dairy in southern Oklahoma.

That was in 1938 and the milk processor they sold their milk to was located 40 miles away in Ada, Oklahoma. One day after making the long trip Mr. Howe found a padlock on the processor's gate, a bankruptcy notice on the front door and a new Cadillac parked in the driveway. The owner of the processing facility owed Mr. Howe and the other dairymen for several week's worth of milk production, but the dairymen were left with nothing. Mr. Howe swallowed his bitterness and looked for a solution which he found by becoming a driving force behind the organization of a milk marketing cooperative in Murray County.

The cooperative later became the Central Oklahoma Milk Producer's Association which later consolidated with another organization to become the Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI) marketing cooperative. All through this period he served in leadership roles with these cooperatives and got them through some hard economic times.

After a twelve year stint serving as manager for the Southern Region AMPI he returned to full time agricultural production, but was soon called on again for assistance in setting up a rural water district and a local rural electrical cooperative.

At the time he was named as the charter member to the Oklahoma Agricultural Hall of Fame, S.F. "Pamp" Howe was 83 years young, still active in production agriculture and still serving his community as Secretary to the Board of Directors of the People's Electrical Cooperative in Ada, Oklahoma.

A native son of Oklahoma, Alvin "Buck" Clements, grew up in the dark shadows of the infamous "dustbowl" and Great Depression. Childhood experiences from that era set the stage for a life of agricultural production, conservation and education.

During the 1999 Agriculture Hall of Fame Ceremony, Governor Frank Keating said Mr. Clements typified the Oklahoma agricultural ideal. "Hard work and a dedication to the people and the land is the trademark of the Oklahoma farmer and our 1999 Agriculture Hall of Fame inductee embodies these qualities," Governor Keating said. "His life has been a lesson and a testament to the possibilities of what the Oklahoma spirit can accomplish."

Growing up on a rented farm in Stephens County, he and fellow high school vocational agriculture classmates ran terrace lines on the property his family farmed. Young "Buck" and his father used a team of horses, a moldboard plow and a homemade, wooden V-drag to create terraces to control soil erosion and improve the farm.

Continuing his agricultural education at Oklahoma A&M, Mr. Clements became the university's first Native American to graduate with a degree from the College of Agriculture. His studies in agronomy and soil science prepared him well for his future as a farmer and a career with the Soil Conservation Service - both of which were interrupted by a three-year stint in the Navy during World War II.

A successful farming operation was initiated in 1947 with the purchase of 160 acres of badly eroded and neglected land. Overgrazed and abused, Mr. Clements carefully nurtured this scarred land back to productivity and was harvesting native grass seed from his farm in just four years. With the help of his wife, Irene, that 160 acre farm grew into 2,000 acres of wheat, alfalfa, and cattle production while still boasting wonderful wildlife habitat.

A promoter of Oklahoma agricultural products, Mr. Alvin "Buck" Clements played host to trade teams in the U.S. and abroad while serving various commodity groups. At the time of his induction into this Hall of Fame he had completed 53 years of service to agriculture and showed no signs of slowing down.

Governor Frank Keating named George W. Stone of Purcell as this year's inductee into the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame. Stone, 80, was president of the Oklahoma Farmer's Union from 1956 to 1980 making him the longest serving president in the organization's history.

From 1980 to 1984, Stone served as president of the National Farmers Union based in Denver. After retiring from that position he returned to Oklahoma to raise cattle, hay and peaches. Governor Keating praised the Byars native for a lifetime of service to agriculture. "George Stone exemplifies the commitment to agriculture and citizenship this award was created for," Governor Keating said. "His work with agricultural issues, youth groups and senior citizens stands as a testament to this great Oklahoman and I'm proud to honor him with this award."

Stone grew up on the gamily farm during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, working with his parents, two brothers and five sisters, the Governor noted. He later became an ordained minister and served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Bethany and University Heights in Oklahoma City from 1942 - 1952.

During his tenure as president of the OFU, Stone is credited with doubling the organization's membership, according to Phil Klutts, current OFU president. As president, Stone presided over two ground breaking ceremonies to accommodate the unprecedented expansion of the organization.

"George Stone is a wonderful addition to our Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame," said Dennis Howard, Secretary of Agriculture. "His life of service to agriculture and rural Oklahoma should serve as an example of how leaders can make a difference in their industry and communities. I have always found George to be very supportive of all 4-H and FFA programs and activities," Howard added. "Over the years he has promoted and contributed to their public speaking contests, junior livestock shows and other leadership programs such as youth summer camps."

Stone lives in Purcell with his wife, Max. The Stones have four sons, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. George remains active on the OFU Executive Board of Directors.

Erwin R. Duerksen, known to his peers as a man of faith, honor and dedication to his industry and his fellow man, became the 21st century's first member of the Oklahoma Agricultural Hall of Fame on March 27, 2001. A man of many talents, his accomplishments as a farmer, rancher, manager and role model were renowned throughout the industry and by all who knew him prior to his induction into this Hall.

A native of Corn, Oklahoma, Mr. Duerksen began his journey into Oklahoma agricultural history in 1940 at the age of 19. Standing alone on 80 acres of red soil he set his jaw and vowed to turn the barren land into a successful farm. Armed with very little more than an iron will and a farmer's work ethic, he had just taken his first step in a project that would grow into a productive 1300-acre operation producing cattle, wheat and alfalfa - and children.

"Although his ambition was to become a successful farmer, he adopted a philosophy of keeping God, Country and Family first in his life and his work," noted Governor Frank Keating during his induction ceremony. "An active member of his church - Mr. Duerksen served in every capacity from usher to Sunday school teacher - his faith was also his creed. He is a man who didn't leave his faith on the church pew when services were over. Those who know him and have worked with him agree that his handshake and promise are stronger than any written contract."

In addition to his successful farming operation, Mr. Duerksen's career in agricultural service to others is also a study in achievement. He served as Board Member and Chairman of the Board for the Farmers Cooperative Exchange of Weatherford; was a Board Member of the Union Equity Cooperative Exchange for more than 16 years; served as an Advisory Board Member to the USDA Federal Grain Inspection Service for three years; and at the time of his induction, had served on the Washita County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Community Committee for 24 years.

A member of the Oklahoma Wheat Growers Association and the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, Mr. Duerksen has helped support his fellow wheat producers as a promoter and ambassador since 1975. He continues to farm and also serves as Chairman and Director of the First National Bank and Trust Company of Weatherford, Cordell and Hinton.

In the history of American agriculture there are relatively few people who have contributed as much to their industry than Henry Jo Von Tungeln. The 2002 inductee into the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame built a legacy for promoting wheat and Oklahoma agriculture that may never be matched while simultaneously serving his community with uncommon vigor.

A sixth generation family farmer, Mr. Von Tungeln recognized the need to promote his commodities years before it became fashionable to do so. On the day of his induction into the Hall of Fame, Lt. Governor Mary Fallin praised the Calumet farmer as "...a visionary farmer, rancher and ambassador of Oklahoma agriculture."

Over the past 50 years Mr. Von Tungeln and his wife, Donna, have entertained international trade teams from countries around the globe. Hundreds of international visitors have visited their family farm for a taste of the American West as well as thousands of pounds of Oklahoma grown beef and wheat products. Each year the Von Tungeln family uses about three tons of flour baking bread for guests, church events, trade shows and virtually any other group that makes a request.

Not averse to travel, Mr. Von Tungeln placed plenty of wear on his international passport over the years as well in his crusade to put Oklahoma agriculture on the plates of foreign customers. Countries in Africa, Europe, South and Central America were targeted along with states and provinces of Mexico and Canada. When sanctions against Cuba were first softened in 2001, Mr. Von Tungeln was already en route there-and subsequently facilitated the first sale of wheat (Oklahoma grown, of course) since the Cold War.

An accomplished leader, Mr. Von Tungeln served his church as Chairman of the Board and Sunday School Superintendent. In 1955 he was elected President of the Canadian County Farm Bureau and despite his best efforts to step aside still maintained that post at the time of his induction while also serving as Chairman of the nation's largest wheat export organization, the U.S. Wheat Associates.

Paul Jackson, successful wheat farmer, dedicated conservationist and extraordinary humanitarian from southwestern Oklahoma, was named to the Oklahoma Agricultural Hall of Fame by Governor Brad Henry on March 22, 2003. The sixth member of this elite group, Mr. Jackson's induction was enthusiastically endorsed for the honor.

Too young to join the service during World War II, he committed himself to feeding a nation at war by piloting a tractor rather than a fighter plane. At the end of the conflict he stayed with farming and planned to attend Oklahoma State University with an older brother.

A severe drought gripped the state when it was time for him to begin college and he chose to remain on the farm in order for his brother to finish his degree. In short order, his ambition to remain with production agriculture was more deeply rooted than his desire to attend the university. Mr. Jackson was married to his wife, Dosia in 1951 and they soon moved to Apache, Oklahoma where they raised wheat, livestock and ultimately four children.

His work in the field has been praised for decades by groups such as the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma State University, the Oklahoma Crop Improvement Association, and the Oklahoma Wheat Commission. His commitment to helping young people and the disadvantaged, however, help set him apart from other notable agriculturists.

Aside from being a church leader, Mr. Jackson has worked tirelessly for groups such as 4-H and FFA as well as the Ag In The Classroom program. He is also a leader in Apex, a group that helps physically and emotionally handicapped people find jobs and improve their self-esteem.

"His lifetime of selfless service and dedication to his industry and community are equally exceptional and inspiring," Governor Henry said during the induction ceremony. Secretary of Agriculture, Terry Peach added that Mr. Jackson's record, "raises the bar for both producers and all people who would like to promote Oklahoma's young people."

It was, perhaps, poetically fitting that Ralph Chain was named to the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame at the conclusion of the first Governor’s Conference on Agriculture and Economic Growth, April 14, 2004. His story, and the story of the Chain Ranch, read like a tome of Theodore Roosevelt’s experiences as a rancher. The course he helped set for his ranch’s future, on the other hand, mirrored the suggestions of the day’s brightest minds regarding the future of agriculture.

The Chain Ranch’s beginnings date back to 1893 when Mr. Chain’s grandfather bartered a shotgun and $50 for 160 acres of sandy Oklahoma land. Hard work, faith in God and a progressive spirit helped build the ranch into more than 60,000 acres of range and cropland by the time Ralph Chain earned this honor.

Over the course of his stewardship, the ranch focused on practices environmentally sound and adopted farming methods conducive to producing all-natural beef. Mr. Chain discovered that these practices were not only cost-effective, but they also boosted the land’s capacity to host wildlife to a level like never before. His stewardship had helped the Chain Ranch pioneer a new industry: Oklahoma agri-tourism.

Sportsmen, naturalists, and others seeking the beauty of wildlife-rich western Oklahoma soon found about the wonderful treasures of the Chain Ranch. Both the ranch and countless enthusiasts soon became the beneficiaries as the Chain Ranch Sportsman’s Club was created.

Meanwhile, the rural phone company that served his area, youth groups, and Church interests were also beneficiaries of his stewardship. Mr. Chain answered the call for leadership and service wherever he saw it. For him, the life of service to his Lord and his fellow man was a calling. Not an option.

“Everything I have is on loan from God. I’m just here to take care of it,” he said at his induction ceremony. “This award should really go to my family and the ranch hands who have been with us for so many years.”

Tom Gilliam, swine producer, livestock order buyer and former member of the Oklahoma Board of Agriculture was named the 2005 inductee into the Oklahoma Agricultural Hall of Fame on April 29, 2005 during the Governor’s Conference on Agriculture and Economic Growth in Clinton.

Mr. Gilliam said his experiences showing livestock while attending high school in Cyril along with the support of his parents directed him toward a life in agriculture.  His aptitude for producing high quality show animals and his love of the pursuit prompted his mother to make him promise her to get his degree in animal science at Oklahoma State University.

Although she died while he was still a teenager, Mr. Gilliam achieved that goal in 1958 and immediately began a career in animal agriculture.  His success was such that he was honored by his alma mater by being named 1994 Outstanding Animal Science Graduate.   His support of OSU and the Oklahoma swine industry later prompted him to campaign for support and finances to complete a new swine research facility, which was dedicated in 2004.

Named by two governors to the State Board of Agriculture, Mr. Gilliam was an advocate for change and Governor Brad Henry, during the induction ceremony, praised his efforts “to build a partnership between producers, and the State Department of Agriculture to protect plant and animal health, the environment, and at the same time promote agriculture.”

His faith and Christian values led him to serve as an elder and deacon in his church.   He also served four years on the Cookson Hills Ministry Board which provided a home for children forced to live away from their own homes.   During his tenure there he helped build a horse facility to provide recreation and therapy to the disadvantaged youth.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame just two days prior to his 69^th birthday, Gilliam said he was as optimistic about the future of agriculture as he was as a teenager.   “If you are willing to work hard, there’s a place for you and an opportunity for success in agriculture.   It doesn’t matter where you start, it’s where you end up that matters.”

Governor Brad Henry today named Murray Williams, Altus cotton farmer and livestock producer, to the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame. The ceremony marked the end of the 3rd annual Governor’s Conference on Agriculture and Economic Growth held in Oklahoma City. 

Governor Henry said Williams, 80, has lived a life of service to Oklahoma while fulfilling a childhood dream. In 1936, at the age of 11, Williams told a reporter that he “wanted to be a farmer more than anything in the world.”

“I’d have to say he did that with a vengeance,” Governor Henry said noting that he was recognized at the 1958 Outstanding Young Farmer for Jackson County and was named the Outstanding Young Farmer for the State of Oklahoma the following year.

In 1980 Williams was named the United States Cotton Farmer of the Year.

Williams’ service to various agricultural organizations and commodity groups has also been exemplary, Henry said. Equally important has been his dedication to his community and state. 

“Active in his church, a strong supporter of his local school system, and an ambassador of agriculture to international groups who have visited his farm, he also exhibits the traits that make our state such a wonderful place to live,” he said. “His commitment to community, church and industry makes (Williams) a shining example to us all.”

An emotional Williams accepted the award on behalf of himself and his wife, Lurlene, who he credited with his success. “Lurlene has been my partner for 60 years,” Williams said. “I couldn’t have accomplished any of this without her.”

The Oklahoma History of Agriculture exhibit in the first floor atrium of the Agriculture building has several new items on display. Not the least of which is the newest member of the state’s most prestigious agricultural award group. Governor Brad Henry named L.E. Castle to the Oklahoma Agricultural Hall of Fame June 4th. Castle becomes the tenth member of the Hall, which was created in 1998.

Castle is a retired vocational agriculture teacher and began his career in Billings and two years later moved to Billings. For 18 years his vocational agriculture students excelled in FFA competition. Thirty-six students received the State FFA Degree, five received the American Farmer Degree and four were state FFA officers.

Castle’s FFA chapter was named a Superior Chapter eight times and placed high in the National Chapter Awards three times. His livestock judging teams have won contests in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Kansas City and Denver. His 1964-65 team won all four contests.

Governor Henry said the accomplishments of his students indicate the volume about the respect they had for him. “When he speaks, believe me, people listen,” he said. “Not only did his students come to him for guidance, so did other vocational agriculture teachers. He was one of their icons.” More than 40 percent of his former students have made agriculture their career.

“It’s important for us to remember that Mr. Castle is also an accomplished agricultural producer of significance,” said Secretary of Agriculture, Terry Peach. “He runs nearly 2,000 stocker cattle each year and farms 3,600 acres of wheat, alfalfa and milo. It’s an impressive farming operation.”

Castle has also served on the National Federation Land Bank for 36 years as a member and as president. He has also served on the Enid Farm Credit Board for 30 years and served as president of that board as well.

Active in his local Lion’s Club and church, Castle has continually shown a commitment to community service and served as a superior role model. Secretary Peach said Castle personifies the spirit and the Governor’s Outstanding Achievement in Agriculture Award and has earned his place in Oklahoma’s Agriculture Hall of Fame.

“L.E. Castle has been an inspiration to a generation of vocational agriculture teachers and his influence will benefit our state’s agricultural industry for generations to come,” he said. “He has helped make our state a better place to live and work in the agricultural industry.”

Castle asked everyone in attendance at the induction ceremony to give themselves a round of applause saying everyone who supported agriculture and agricultural youth programs were most deserving of the award. “It’s the people backing these kids that really deserve the recognition,” he said. “That makes it great for agricultural education.”

Had early day settlers created this Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame, there might very likely have at least one inductee with the last name of "Hitch" included before April 2, 2008. Since they didn't, Paul Hitch became the first member of one of the state's premier pioneering families to be recognized for a lifetime of achievement and service.

Dating back to 1884, the Hitch family has farmed, ranched, ran the largest cattle feeding operation in the state, created agribusinesses and most recently helped make Oklahoma one of the top swine producing states in the nation. Paul himself helped promote growth in the cattle feeding and agribusiness ventures but most notably he was the man that expanded Hitch Enterprises into swine production.

Paul's influence and leadership also helped bring one of the nations largest, most modern and efficient swine processing facility to Texas County during the 1990’s. As a result Oklahoma is now one of the top states in the country in pork production and a major component of U.S. pork exports.

This branching out to pork production did not diminish his commitment to the family cattle business. Under the leadership of Paul Hitch, Hitch Enterprises was the parent company to 13 agriculturally related businesses with feedlot operations maintaining their high profile. He was President-elect of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association in 2007 but chose to resign before assuming office due to severe illness.

He had also served as Chairman of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and from 1995 to 2001 served as a member of the Oklahoma Board of Agriculture. Active in his church, community and Oklahoma State University as a leader and benefactor, Paul Hitch was once described as a "born leader who helps to get everyone to walk side-by-side.

"Paul Hitch continued the family legacy of practicing good business while displaying the highest degree of integrity and concern for others," said State Secretary of Agriculture, Terry Peach. "That special spirit and character made his name known not just in Oklahoma but around the globe."

Nominated by both the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association and the Oklahoma Pork Council for the Governor's Outstanding Achievement Award in Agriculture and induction into the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame, Paul lost his battle with cancer just weeks before the induction ceremony.