Pickaway County, OH – The Pickaway County Community Foundation (PCCF) Agriculture Committee held its much-anticipated Farm to Plate Dinner on Thursday evening, drawing over 350 attendees to celebrate and support local agriculture. The event, aimed at raising awareness for the PCCF Agricultural Fund, featured a keynote address by Isaac and Jayne Barnes of Honeyrun Farm.
Founded as a Christmas gift in 2003, the bee Farm Honeyrun Farm has blossomed into a successful enterprise. Isaac and Jayne Barnes shared insights about their journey from starting a small farm to running a thriving business with 500 hives, producing honey, candles, and handcrafted soap. The couple expressed that the farm has now grown into a “way of life.” Their presentation highlighted the intricate science behind beekeeping and the impact of their work on the local community.
The evening included a raffle with two gift baskets, a meal provided by Elegant Eats, and desserts from Country Cakes and Bakes.
In a notable honor, Dr. Paul Fenstermaker was inducted into the Pickaway County Agriculture Hall of Fame. Dr. Fenstermaker, a dedicated veterinarian who served the community for 60 years, was recognized for his significant contributions to agriculture and veterinary medicine.
Paul Edward Fenstermaker grew up with an older sister and brother on a farm in Walnut Township, Fairfield County, Ohio. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University. Upon graduation in 1945, he and his wife, Irma, drove down to Williamsport to start his new veterinary practice. Sixty years later, the Pickaway County Commissioners honored him by passing a resolution commending him for his years of service. He estimated that he vaccinated more than 25,000 pigs for Hog Cholera in the 1950s and tested thousands of cattle for TB and Brucellosis in the 1960s and 1970s.
Dr. Fenstermaker, who began his practice in Williamsport after graduating from The Ohio State University in 1945, played a crucial role in controlling diseases such as Hog Cholera and Brucellosis. Beyond his veterinary work, he actively participated in local educational and civic activities, including serving on school boards and the Pickaway County Health Board.
The event also saw participation from local FFA chapters from Circleville, Logan Elm, Teays Valley, and Westfall, who helped serve the meal. PCCF Agriculture Committee Chair John Essman announced that the annual Ag Chat will be held on January 17, 2025.
“The Farm to Plate Dinner was a great success,” Essman remarked. “It was wonderful to bring the agriculture community together. We appreciate the support and look forward to continuing our work to benefit local agriculture.”
Following the dinner, part of the event’s proceeds were donated to the FFA chapters for their assistance. For more information on Honeyrun Farm or to contribute to the PCCF Agriculture Fund, visit Honeyrun Farm or PCCF Agriculture Fund.
