Louisville, KY (December 5, 2014) – Mercer County farmer James W. “Bill” Waggener has been named winner of Kentucky Farm Bureau’s (KFB) annual award for Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau. He was honored at the organization’s 95th annual meeting at the Galt House Hotel, receiving an engraved watch and a plaque.

Waggener, 77, has been active with Mercer County Farm Bureau for 45 years. He served three terms as president and chaired the budget committee for 10 years. He currently serves on six of the county Farm Bureau’s committees, chairing two of them. He has been a voting delegate to KFB’s annual meeting for 35 years and has served on the state organization’s advisory committees for livestock marketing and education. He has attended five annual meetings of the American Farm Bureau Federation plus several of KFB’s Congressional Tours.

A native of the Burgin community in Mercer County, Waggener has been farming for 56 years, producing tobacco, cattle and grain. He also had businesses spreading lime and hauling feed and cattle. He was the first farmer in the area to grow no-till corn and did so from a machine he designed with the Allis-Chambers Company. The University of Kentucky showcased that machine in “field day” events.

Mercer County Farm Bureau leaders praise Waggener’s tireless dedication to both the organization and the community.

“Our county directors look to Bill for leadership and advice, especially regarding financial matters,” said Mercer County Farm Bureau President Jamie DeHart. “He is an asset to our board and our county.”

“He is a dedicated and effective leader in the Burgin community,” said Richard W. Webb, former superintendent of Burgin Independent Schools. “He is at the forefront of any progress that enhances the town. Not only is Mr. Waggener a proven leader, he also serves as a role model to others in how to communicate with others in an effective and positive manner.”

In service to Mercer County Farm Bureau, Waggener played a key role in the 1997 opening of a modern office just south of Harrodsburg that serves both the Federation and the Insurance Agency. The county board, in fact, appointed Waggener to oversee the project.

As county treasurer, he spearheaded an investment fund to prepare for future growth.

Waggener also has championed youth organizations and agricultural education. He served 10 years on the Mercer County 4-H Council (including three years as president) and served FFA by recruiting former students to form an Alumni Association that would support a new FFA chapter at Burgin High School. He has also been involved with many “Farm-City Day” events to help unite rural and urban interests.

His wife, Peggy, has long been active in Mercer County’s women’s program and with communications activities. The couple has two adult children.

Mercer County Insurance Agency Manager Leon Mayo describes Waggener as “a visionary” and “an anchor.”

“His service has been most needed at the key times; conservative to protect us but yet the most visionary,” Mayo said.

Cutline: Bill Waggener (center) received the 2014 Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau award at the organization’s annual meeting, held in Louisville. The award was presented by David S. Beck, KFB Executive Vice President (left), and Mark Haney, KFB President (right).