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CONTACT: Mark O’Neill, Media Relations Director, (717) 761-2740 or e-mail
For Immediate Release: November 17, 2009
(Hershey) – Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) presented former State Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff and former Dean of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences Robert Steele with Barn Raiser Awards to recognize their many years of public service to the agricultural community during PFB’s 59th Annual Meeting. The Barn Raiser Award, which is PFB’s highest honor, recognizes individuals who have spent a lifetime in dedicated leadership to the agricultural community.
“Denny and Bob have provided outstanding service to Pennsylvania agriculture over the years. Secretary Wolff is well deserving of the award, having worked to increase opportunities for farmers to prosper and to ensure that the rights of farmers are protected. As Agriculture Secretary, his number one priority was to address the concerns of Pennsylvania agriculture, benefitting farmers of all commodities. Meanwhile, Dean Steele demonstrated a deep concern and willingness to work with all stakeholders in agriculture across the Commonwealth to address priorities and improve the mission of the land-grant University,” said PFB President Carl T. Shaffer.
Dennis Wolff served as Pennsylvania's Secretary of Agriculture for more than six years, before leaving the post in August. Wolff's tenure resulted in major accomplishments, including the creation of programs designed to improve the agriculture industry and legislation to protect farmers and rural communities. Wolff also led improvements to consumer protection programs, such as food safety and animal health. In 2009, Wolff was the recipient of the Holstein Association USA's Distinguished Leadership Award for his work in national dairy policy. Wolff, a Columbia County dairy farmer, was named a Master Farmer in 1994 for his outstanding work in the agriculture. After leaving PDA, Wolff became a partner with Versant Strategies of Harrisburg.
“Because of my lifelong respect for Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, this award will be one of my most prized possessions. PFB was a partner with PDA on many of our initiatives. An example of this team effort is the ACRE legislation. Act 38 was a historic day for Pennsylvania agriculture and will allow agriculture to continue to be the state's number one industry,” said Dennis Wolff.
Dr. Robert Steele served as Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences for a dozen years, before stepping down from the post earlier this year. “Knowing so many of the people who have been selected in the past to receive this award, I guess it goes without saying that I was surprised and humbled to receive the news that I would be included in this prestigious group,” said Robert Steele.
Under his leadership, Penn State was able to maintain and strategically strengthen its commitment to serve the state's agricultural industry and citizens with cutting-edge research and cooperative extension programs.
“As a native of Pennsylvania, I’ve always believed that Pennsylvania’s priorities for agriculture emerge from the issues we face today and will likely face tomorrow. Each of us brings a different perspective and resource base to the table but we are all working on achieving common goals. I am pleased that I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau through the years and align our efforts and to bring Penn State’s research, teaching and extension resources to bear on identifying and addressing our agricultural priorities for the Commonwealth and nation,” added Steele.
After leaving as Dean, Steele decided to remain at Penn State, joining the college's faculty as a tenured professor in the Department of Food Science.
Wolff and Steele become only the 11th and 12th recipients of the award in the 59-year history of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. Pennsylvania Governor Richard Thornburgh received the first award in 1983.
Hundreds of farmers from across the state attended Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s 59th Annual Meeting at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center from November 16-18, to set policy for the statewide organization on issues affecting farm and rural families.
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is the state’s largest farm organization with a volunteer membership of
nearly 47,000 farm and rural families, representing farms of every size and commodity across Pennsylvania.
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