Darke County Chamber of Commerce

Register here for our 2026 event!

Our 2025 Agri-Business Luncheon & Expo was a great success! Thank you to all our sponsors and guests. We appreciate your support of our Agriculture Community.

The Darke County Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted its annual Agri-Business Luncheon & Expo this past Friday at Romer’s Catering in Greenville, bringing together more than 200 guests to celebrate and support the local agricultural community.

This year’s event featured 8 sponsor display booths, showcasing services and innovations vital to Darke County’s ag industry. A highlight of the day was a keynote address by Caden Buscher, who stepped in for Dr. Dee Jepsen and delivered an insightful presentation on Agricultural Safety—a critical topic for farms and families alike.

The Chamber also recognized outstanding individuals in the ag sector with the following awards:

🏆 Ag Achievement Award – Mr. Jim Buchy

🌾 Ag Advocacy Award – Ms. Carmen Hartzell

🚜 Young Farmer Award – Mr. Ryan Schmitmeyer

🎓 Agri-Future Scholarship – Ms. Maggie McGlinch, Versailles High School

Adding to the excitement, more than 20 Darke County students attended the luncheon, providing a glimpse into the bright future of local agriculture. Their presence was a powerful reminder that the seeds of tomorrow’s ag success are being planted today.

“This event is one of the ways we show how much the Chamber values and supports our ag community,” said Rachel Neal, President & CEO of the Darke County Chamber of Commerce. “From long-standing leaders to young visionaries, agriculture continues to be a foundation of our economy, our identity, and our future.”

The Chamber extends its sincere thanks to all sponsors, attendees, and volunteers who helped make the 2025 Agri-Business Luncheon & Expo a success. Together, we continue to grow and champion the future of agriculture in Darke County.

Ag Achievement Award Criteria

To be eligible for nomination for the Agriculture Achievement Award, a farmer/family must meet the following requirements:

Reside in Darke County;
Be actively involved in agriculture and community;

Award will be based on their commitment to:

Innovation
Giving back to their communities,
Committing to good land stewardship
Being a great example for future generations.

Ag Advocacy Award Criteria

To be eligible for nomination for the Agricultural Advocacy Award, an individual or organization must meet the following requirements:

Serve the Darke County community

Award will be based on their commitment to:

Promoting the agriculture industry on all levels, from local to the state level.
Educating the consumer and general public about the importance and value of the agriculture industry.
Promoting the principles of agriculture such as: biotechnology, soil stewardship, resource management, economic and environmental benefits as well as the humane principles of sound livestock production and management.
Preparing students for careers in agriculture

Young Farmer

To be eligible for nomination for the Young Farmer Award, a farmer (male or female) must meet the following requirements:

Reside in Darke County;
Be a farm operator deriving a minimum of two-thirds of his/her income from farming; and
Be aged 21-39

Award will be based on:

The progress in their agricultural career;
General farming and conservation practices; and
Contribution to his/her community, state, nation.

Candidates who have a financial interest in the farm operation (a sole proprietor, partner, or a corporation) will receive higher ranking in the judging process. However, nominees also may include salaried farm managers and employees who are actively involved in policy and management decisions.

Agriculture Achievement Award Winners