The Ohio Agricultural Council (OAC) is set to honor the 2026 awardees who have made lasting contributions to Ohio’s agricultural industry. This year’s inductees, John Grimes of Hillsboro, Nancy Patterson of Chesterland, Lawrence H. “L.H.” Newcomb of Hilliard and Sparky Weilnau of Milan, represent a diverse cross-section of Ohio agriculture, from education and youth development to production, agribusiness and public service.
“Each of these individuals has helped shape Ohio agriculture in ways that reach far beyond their own work,” said Mike Bailey, president of the Ohio Agricultural Council and senior vice president of operations and partnerships at Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. “Their impact can be seen in the people they’ve mentored, the programs they’ve built and the example they’ve set for others to follow.”
The ceremony, celebrating its 60th year, will be held Friday, August 7, 2026, and is expected to draw more than 600 attendees, including community leaders, industry professionals and family members. With this year’s class, the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame will have honored a total of 261 individuals since its inception.
John Grimes – Hillsboro, Ohio (posthumously)
John Grimes dedicated his career to advancing Ohio’s beef industry through education, innovation and hands-on production. During his decades-long tenure with The Ohio State University Extension, he worked directly with producers across the state, delivering practical, research-based programs on cattle management, forage systems and marketing strategies that improved efficiency and profitability.
Beyond Extension, Grimes remained deeply connected to production agriculture as the owner of Maplecrest Farms, a respected seedstock operation known for high-quality Angus and Simmental cattle. He and his family also helped strengthen the connection between producers and consumers through Maplecrest Meats & More, a direct-to-consumer venture highlighting locally raised beef.
A trusted leader and mentor reaching across the country, Grimes influenced generations of cattle producers and agricultural professionals. His service at the state and national level, along with numerous industry recognitions, reflected a career dedicated to advancing Ohio’s beef industry.
Lawrence H. “L.H.” Newcomb – Hilliard, Ohio
Dr. Lawrence H. “L.H.” Newcomb devoted more than 40 years to advancing agricultural education in Ohio and beyond. As a faculty member and administrator at The Ohio State University, he taught, mentored and inspired hundreds of future agricultural educators whose influence continues to shape classrooms, farms and agribusinesses across the state, country and world.
Newcomb’s impact extended well beyond the classroom. He played a key role in strengthening the connection between Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and the agricultural industry, helping lead transformational initiatives that better aligned education, research and outreach with the needs of Ohio agriculture. His textbook, Methods of Teaching Agriculture, remains a foundational resource for educators nationwide.
Known as a “teacher of teachers,” Newcomb built a legacy through mentorship, leadership development and a deep commitment to student success. His contributions have influenced generations of agricultural leaders, leaving a lasting impact on Ohio agriculture and the profession of agricultural education.
Nancy Patterson – Chesterland, Ohio
Nancy Patterson has been a driving force in advancing agricultural education, youth development and community engagement in Ohio. After beginning her career in education, she returned to Patterson Fruit Farms, where she has served as co-owner for more than 50 years. Drawing on her background in teaching, she helped develop on-farm experiences and educational programming that have introduced thousands of students and families to agriculture.
Patterson’s leadership has extended statewide through her work with the Ohio 4-H Foundation and the Ohio Expositions Commission, where she served as chair. She played a key role in strengthening youth development programs and advancing the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center. She also ensured that agriculture remain central to the Ohio State Fair experience.
Known for her servant leadership and commitment to mentoring others, Patterson has influenced generations of young people and agricultural leaders. Her work has strengthened connections between farmers and consumers while leaving a lasting impact on agricultural education and outreach across Ohio.
Sparky R. Weilnau – Milan, Ohio
Sparky Weilnau has shaped Ohio agriculture through a career spanning farming, public service and industry leadership. As the owner of a 1,200-acre grain operation specializing in popcorn production, he managed all aspects of the business while adopting innovative practices that positioned his farm at the forefront of production agriculture.
Weilnau’s impact extends well beyond the farm through years of involvement with the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, where he served as vice president and represented Ohio agriculture at the state, national and international levels. He later served on the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Board of Directors. Locally, he held numerous public service roles, including Milan Township Trustee, Erie County Commissioner, Erie Regional Planning Commission and others, helping to shape policy and support rural communities.
Respected for his steady, thoughtful approach, Weilnau has built a reputation for bringing people together to move agriculture forward. His leadership has helped guide key decisions, strengthen organizations and ensure farmers’ perspectives are represented at every level.
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For further information or to be a sponsor in honor of the inductees and in celebration of Ohio agriculture, contact the Ohio Agricultural Council at 614-794-8970 or via email at info@ohioagcouncil.org.