Louisville, KY (December 4, 2015) – Ohio County farmer Dane Milligan has been named winner of Kentucky Farm Bureau’s (KFB) annual award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture. He was honored at the organization’s 96th annual meeting at the Galt House Hotel.

His many achievements in farming and service to the agriculture industry began at the age of 9 for the now, 75-year-old Milligan. He was an active participant in 4-H raising and showing beef calves. While in high school, Milligan became active in FFA while raising corn and soybeans on the family farm. He began full-time farming after high school while attending Western Kentucky University where he earned a B.S. in agriculture.

Today, along with his son and grandson, Milligan farms more than 5,000 acres of owned and rented land on which corn, soybeans and cattle are raised. He became the first person in the county to practice minimum and no-till farming. His grandson becomes the 6^th generation of the Milligan family to be involved in farming.

From a community standpoint, Milligan’s contributions to the agriculture industry have been numerous. He helped select the location and design of the Ohio County Extension Building and as a Jaycee officer, he and fellow members purchased the Ohio County Agricultural Fair Grounds. He then served for two years as Ohio County fair board president.

His involvement with KFB and the local Farm Bureau organization has also been extensive. Milligan has held nearly every agriculture leadership position during his 61-year membership with the Ohio County Farm Bureau – including president and eight-year member of the KFB State Board.

His other activities include being a 52-year member of the Ohio Valley Farm Analysis; 32 years as supervisor of the Ohio County Soil Conservation District, including past chair; a 16-year member and past chair of the Ohio County Extension Board; 12-year director of the Farm Credit Agency; and an eight-year member of the Federal Land Bank Board of Directors. Milligan was also named Outstand Young Farmer in Ohio County by the Jaycees in 1970 and was named Master Conservationist in 1986.

Milligan is a 61-year member of the No Creek United Methodist Church where he has served as a Trustees and treasurer for 52 and 51 years respectively.

His farm has always been made available for 4-H, FFA and Extension programs in helping to influence numerous young people and farmers to set high goals and work to achieve them.

Roger Thomas, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy said Milligan is a respected leader in agriculture and has provided exemplary leadership within Farm Bureau, commodity and conservation organizations in Ohio County and the Rough River region.