The Preble County Farm Bureau recognized the deep roots and future of agriculture in the county during its annual meeting on Saturday, July 26, the opening day of the Preble County Fair. Two lifelong farmers, brothers Fred and Roger Voge, were inducted into the Preble County Agricultural Hall of Fame during the ceremony,
Eddie Mowen Jr. | The Register-Herald
Four local students, Brody Bowen, Lydia Eilerman, Elaine Rhoades and Julie Schrimper, were recognized as recipients of the 2025 Preble County Farm Bureau Scholarship.
Eddie Mowen Jr. | The Register-Herald
EATON — The Preble County Farm Bureau recognized the deep roots and future of agriculture in the county during its annual meeting on Saturday, July 26, the opening day of the Preble County Fair.
Two lifelong farmers, brothers Fred and Roger Voge, were inducted into the Preble County Agricultural Hall of Fame during the ceremony, and four local students were recognized as recipients of the 2025 Preble County Farm Bureau Scholarship.
Agriculture education instructor Carly Asher, along with the Eaton FFA officer team, led the afternoon’s recognitions, reflecting on the legacy and leadership of the inductees and promising futures of the scholarship honorees.
“This year we’re inducting two siblings into the program,” Asher told attendees. “The goal of this program is to make sure that we’re honoring agriculturalists from our county and within the state of Ohio — whether they are producers, breeders, or involved in local government, education, or policymaking.”
Fred and Roger Voge, both graduates of Twin Valley South High School, began farming in the early 1970s with their father, Emerson. The brothers worked together until Emerson’s retirement in 1990, after which they operated their own farms independently while continuing to collaborate on agricultural production.
Fred Voge is a licensed and bonded livestock dealer and a leader in livestock procurement throughout the Midwest and southern U.S., sourcing young feeder cattle for finishing lots — many of which are placed right here in Preble County. His service includes time on the Preble County Planning Committee, the Ohio Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Committee, the Preble County 4-H Committee, and as a Preble County Commissioner.
Roger Voge, who began farming full-time in 1990, specializes in beef cattle feeder finishing and has focused on sustainable farm practices including land and waterway improvements. He has served as treasurer of the Twin Valley South FFA Alumni, on the board of the Preble County Farm Bureau, and with the Preble County Pork Festival pit committee.
Both men were praised for their lifelong commitment to agriculture and their impact on the community. “Please help me in congratulating these two individuals and thank them for their contribution to agriculture and our communities,” said FFA officer Josie Eilerman, who introduced the inductees.
Also honored during the meeting were four local students receiving $1,000 Farm Bureau scholarships for their academic and leadership accomplishments.
Brody Bowen of Lewisburg, a graduate of Twin Valley South and MVCTC FFA member, plans to attend Miami University’s Farmer School of Business to pursue a degree in management and entrepreneurship.
Lydia Eilerman of Eaton will attend The Ohio State University to study animal science with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.
Elaine Rhoades of Lewisburg, a Brookville High School graduate, will also attend Ohio State, majoring in animal sciences with a minor in meat science.
Julie Schrimper of Eaton, a 2025 Eaton High School graduate, plans to attend Indiana University East to pursue a degree in elementary education. Schrimper has been active in 4-H, FFA and softball, and grew up on a family farm in Preble County.
The recognitions highlighted the contributions of experienced agricultural leaders and the next generation in Preble County farming.
Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 37-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.
