Many years ago, in 1990, the Summit County Farm Bureau Board of
Trustees established The Summit County Farm Bureau Distinguished
Service Award as a means to recognize members for their outstanding
service. Specifically, it is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a
member. The award is given to a bona fide farmer who has made an
outstanding contribution to their local community and the industry of
agriculture. Choosing a worthy recipient from the many qualified members
can be difficult for the three previous winners, who are assigned the task.

Although this year’s honoree grew up in the city, he has been a staunch
supporter of agriculture throughout his adult life, joining Summit County
Farm Bureau when he moved to his in-laws farm. His commitment to Farm
Bureau has been displayed through his actions; volunteering at the
Antiques Museum each summer, sitting on the policy and development
committee, representing us at the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual
Meeting, as well as sponsoring the Ag Mobile visits to local elementary
schools.

Our honoree didn’t grow up playing in hay lofts or corn fields like farm kids
do. He was a city kid that grew up in Columbus. HIS playground was the
sewers. In fact, he and his playmates created a “Sewer Club”. One day
they found a body, needless to say that was the end of the sewer club.

Maybe growing up in the city sparked his fondness for green space. As a
high school student, he teamed up with another student to save the large
established trees on East North Broadway that formed a beautiful tree
boulevard, fighting to keep the street from being widened to four lanes.
They graduated from Whetstone High School in 1971 and headed in very
different directions. Today that other man is one of the democratic leaders
in our state.

Our honoree dreamed of being a veterinarian since third grade when he
was asked what he wanted to be. He definitively stated “a veterinarian!”.
When the teacher questioned, “A Vegetarian?”, he clarified himself by
saying “an animal doctor!” And off to THE Ohio State University he went,
graduating from there with his undergraduate degree in agriculture.

Our recipient met his wife in an Effective Studies class at OSU, while both
were working on their undergraduate degrees. They dated for 8 years,
marrying in 1979.

Determined to fulfill his dream, he was not discouraged when he was
unable to get into a US veterinary school, he just explored international
options. He was accepted in Tehran, South Africa, the Philippines and
Italy. He opted to go to Italy but continued to apply to Ohio State
University. He was finally accepted and they returned to the US in 1980.
He received his DVM in 1985 and opened his own practice. Manchester
Animal Clinic opened in January 1987 and he still practices today. He
always said that the biggest benefit of being self-employed was his ability
to attend ALL his children’s school activities.

Operating his own practice gave him the opportunity to become a member
of NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business), where he sits on
their leadership council. He continues to stay involved in the community
with the Kiwanis club and the PPG advisory committee.

A true city kid, he knew nothing about wells and septic systems. He was
appalled when he found out you put an electric motor in a well for water, he
just couldn’t understand how you could do that and not get electrocuted.
Welcome to the country!

When they began building a new home on his in laws farm, they wanted to
put up a barn for their horses. Going to get the permit brought about
another educational moment for that city kid. When the township wanted to
tell him where to put it, he insisted that’s not where we want it. They said
you need more than 5 acres. His father-in-law said no problem, we will be
back. And they were, with more acreage added and they put up the barn.

Our honoree and his wife of 45 years, raised 3 children on that family farm,
and enjoy sharing the family farm and their love of animals with their 7
grandchildren (with number 8 on the way), many of which are here to join in
his celebration.

Please join me in congratulating our 2024 Distinguished Service Award
recipient, Dr. Benjamin Pearson!