Farmers honored at SRC luncheon

SIKESTON -- Individuals who have made contributions to the regional agricultural community were honored at the annual Sikeston Regional Chamber's Farmers Recognition Luncheon on Thursday at the Clinton Building.

Four awards were given: Farm Family of the Year to Hulshof Farms in Scott County, Farm Female of the Year to Vanessa McGarity, Agri-Business Service Award to Don King and the Jaycee Outstanding Young Farmer to Vest Baker.

Mike Marshall presented the Farm Family of the Year award to the Hulshof family.

The Sikeston Regional Chamber held their annual Farmer's Recognition Luncheon on Thursday at the Clinton Building. Those recognized were, from left: Donovan King who accepted the Agri-Business Service Award for his father Don King; Vince Hulshof, Patrick Hulshof and Robin Hulshof of Hulshof Farms who are the Farm Family of the Year; Farm Woman of the Year Vanessa McGarity and the Sikeston Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer Vest Baker. (David Jenkins photo)

The Sikeston Regional Chamber held their annual Farmer's Recognition Luncheon on Thursday at the Clinton Building. Those recognized were, from left: Donovan King who accepted the Agri-Business Service Award for his father Don King; Vince Hulshof, Patrick Hulshof and Robin Hulshof of Hulshof Farms who are the Farm Family of the Year; Farm Woman of the Year Vanessa McGarity and the Sikeston Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer Vest Baker. (David Jenkins photo)

"Farming is difficult and it was difficult back in 1961 when Vince Hulshof started farming," Marshall said. "The Hulshof family are the cream of the crop you might say. They have been farming since 1961 when Vince started and Patrick joined the farming operation in 2001.

"They are a farm family but what is interesting is they farm for farm families."

Marshall praised Patrick Hulshof's ability to manage 75 center pivots and the family's ability to farm land in the Blodgett area where "the University of Missouri described the soil there as unfarmable."

Darryl Chatman, deputy director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture speaks at Thursday's Sikeston Regional Chamber meeting held at the Clinton Building. (David Jenkins, Staff)

Darryl Chatman, deputy director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture speaks at Thursday's Sikeston Regional Chamber meeting held at the Clinton Building. (David Jenkins, Staff)

For the full story, see today's e-edition.