PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER/THE VILLAGE REPORTER
NEUENSCHWANDER … Larry Neuenschwander stands with members of his family during the 2025 Fulton County Agricultural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
RUPP … Fulton County Commissioner Jon Rupp stands with members of his family during the 2025 Fulton County Agricultural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
ANDERZACK … Family members stand in for Mike Anderzack during the evening of the 2025 Fulton County Agricultural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
GRAF … Family members of Jack Graf, who was posthumously inducted into the Fulton County Agricultural Hall of Fame, stand with his plaque outside of the ceremony.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Fulton County Agricultural Hall of Fame welcomed four new members during its 42nd annual induction ceremony held on Monday, August 18, at St. Caspar Catholic Church in Wauseon. The evening recognized lifelong contributions to the county’s agricultural heritage and service to the community.
This year’s inductees included Michael Anderzack, Jack Graf, Larry Neuenschwander, and Jonathan R. Rupp.
Each recipient was recognized for more than 25 years of dedicated involvement in farming or agricultural leadership, joining the distinguished ranks of individuals who have shaped Fulton County’s farming tradition.
The program began with an invocation by Kendall Lovejoy, followed by a dinner served by the Knights of Columbus.
Jim Spiess, serving as emcee, guided the ceremony and introduced the honorees. Families, past recipients, and community members gathered, with attendance estimated at 120 guests.
The Hall of Fame, established to honor those who have significantly influenced the county’s agricultural industry, is the highest recognition bestowed upon Fulton County’s farm leaders.
To date, 171 individuals have received the honor. Inductees are chosen annually by a committee of past honorees, FFA teachers, and representatives from local commodity groups.
Nominees must be Fulton County natives with at least 25 years of involvement in agriculture, demonstrating leadership through farming, education, or service.
Honorees received a plaque and pin, and their names will be added to two permanent displays at the Fulton County Fairgrounds. The 2025 ceremony was sponsored by Aaron Spiess.
The Fulton County Fair Board provided the Hall of Fame plaques, the Fulton County Dairy Association supplied ice cream, floral arrangements were designed by Marlene Callender, and Emmons Greenhouse provided flowers.
Looking back on the tradition, Hall of Fame Committee Chair Jim Spiess said the ceremony feels much like a reunion, bringing past and present members together to share fellowship and stories.
“It’s something I’ve really enjoyed being a part of,” Spiess said. “People get just as much joy out of showing up early and visiting with one another as they do from the program itself.”
By welcoming Michael Anderzack, Jack Graf, Larry Neuenschwander, and Jonathan R. Rupp into the Hall of Fame, Fulton County not only honors their hard work but also celebrates the deep agricultural roots that continue to bring the community together.