The Ohio Agricultural Council will honor a new class of individuals who have significantly contributed to the advancement of Ohio’s agricultural community during the 58th Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame induction on Aug. 2 at the Ohio Expo Center.
The 2024 OAC Hall of Fame ceremony will celebrate the achievements of four individuals including Fred Finney of Wooster. All have uniquely impacted Ohio agriculture through innovation, education and leadership.
Fred Finney, a distinguished leader in Ohio’s agricultural community, has made profound contributions to the state’s produce industry. After serving in the U.S. Army, Finney began his career at Davis Melrose Company, which owned what would become Moreland Fruit Farm. In 1985, he purchased the farm and transformed it into a thriving 125-acre operation producing a diverse range of fruit and vegetable crops, significantly enhancing local food markets and supply chains.
Throughout his career, Finney has been instrumental in creating new market opportunities for farmers, particularly through his involvement in the establishment of the Farmers Produce Auction in Mt. Hope and the Mid-Ohio Growers Meeting. These initiatives have not only supported local farmers but also fostered community and economic development. His efforts have extended to national influence, particularly in food safety, where he played a critical role in the development of compliance training for the Food Safety Modernization Act, ensuring that small and Amish farmers were not overlooked.
Finney’s leadership spans several prestigious roles, including serving as president of the Wayne County Farm Bureau, Ohio Farm Bureau state trustee representing Ashland, Medina, Summit and Wayne County Farm Bureaus, president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and on the board of directors for Nationwide Insurance. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. Fred Finney’s dedication to improving agricultural practices and supporting his community has left an indelible mark on Ohio’s agricultural landscape, making him a respected figure in the industry.