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Educator, state lawmaker named Distinguished Service to Ag winners at Iowa Farm Bureau annual meetingIowa Joe Harper has reached out to students and adults with agriculture education, not just in his hometown of Colo, Iowa, but around world. Thurman Gaskill has been an outspoken advocate for agriculture in the Iowa Statehouse and in other leadership capacities on local, state, national and global stages. Their words and actions have helped further the cause of Iowa agriculture and rural communities over the past several decades, earning Harper and Gaskill the 2008 Iowa Farm Bureau Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award. Both were recognized during the Iowa Farm Bureau annual meeting in Des Moines, Dec. 4. The award honors individuals who have played a significant role in the agricultural industry at the local, state and/or national level. This is the 31st year for the award. Both winners received plaques that will be added to a permanent display at IFBF headquarters in West Des Moines. Joe Harper Among his many accomplishments, Joe Harper is well known for his commitment to advancing agriculture education. Harper's work as an educator began right after he graduated from Iowa State University in 1951. He spent the first 21 years of his career as a high school vocational agriculture instructor. In that capacity he opened up new opportunities for students, particularly in livestock exhibiting. His efforts invigorated livestock exhibiting near his hometown of Colo and earned him widespread recognition from both the agriculture and education communities. In 1985, Harper joined Des Moines Area Community College as the director of the Farm Career Assessment Program. The program was designed to help farmers, ag-related workers and their spouses explore their career options in a troubled economy. The program was highly successful--nearly 60 percent of the participants who attempted to find a job secured one--and the Career Assessment Program was implemented in three other locations in Iowa. Harper also served as the chairman of Agribusiness Programs at DMACC. As chairman, Harper had the opportunity to teach agriculture, particularly farming in Iowa, during two stints in Russia. For his efforts, he received outstanding agriculture educator, distinguished service and community service awards from DMACC. Harper is also known for his contributions to the swine industry. He was purebred Duroc breeder and auctioneer for over 30 years and helped New Mexico State University start its own auction school. Today, Harper is retired but continues to actively volunteer in his community. He and his wife, Phyllis, reside in Colo. They have three grown children. Thurman Gaskill Thurman Gaskill's contributions to agriculture via several prominent leadership positions have touched farmers around the globe. Gaskill recently retired in 2008 from the Iowa Senate, after serving 10 years. During his time in the Senate, he was recognized for his work to support agribusiness, earning the 2003 Agribusiness Legislator of the Year designation from the Agribusiness Association of Iowa. Gaskill has been the president of the National Corn Growers Association, the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and the Iowa Farm Business Association. He is the former chairman of the U.S. Feed Grains Council, vice president of the Iowa Agricultural Promotion Board, vice chair of the Agriculture Council of America, commissioner of the Iowa Department of National Resources, commissioner of the Iowa Development Commission and charter member of the Iowa Peace Institute Board of Directors. Gaskill also has served as an agricultural advisor for several presidential campaigns, working for responsible agriculture policy. Today, Gaskill is the director of MetaBank and farms near Corwith, Iowa, with his wife, Geraldine. He has three grown children. Both recipients were selected by the IFBF board of directors. Harper was nominated by Story County Farm Bureau, while Gaskill was nominated by the Hancock and Winnebago County Farm Bureaus. 12/15/08 Date: 12/10/08 Advertisement
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