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Friday, July 3, 2009 10:30 PM CDT
Paul Hurst named
Farmer of Year
By HERB MEEKER
Staff Writer
CHARLESTON -- Coles County Farmer of the Year Paul Hurst wondered Friday why some of his kids insisted on coming to Red, White & Blue Days with Mom and Pop.
“I had my suspicions when all the kids came here,” said Hurst, shortly after accepting a plaque from the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce for the award that annually recognizes farmers who have contributed to local agriculture in different ways.
“I didn’t think they were all here to see Heidi Newfield sing tonight,” the great-grandfather said with a grin.
His wife of 51 years, Glenda, admitted she almost stayed home Friday, thinking she might get some relaxation time at home. The announcement of the Farmer of the Year Award is supposed to be a surprise to the winner. Apparently, it produced a double surprise.
Anyone who knows Hurst and his efforts through the years should not be surprised by his selection.
Hurst has always been the first to utilize the latest innovations in the seed industry, according to his nomination from the board of directors of the Coles County Farm Bureau. For many years he hosted a corn hybrid plot which took a fair look at the seed industry's leaders. He also helped fellow farmers evaluate their seed needs during his long tenure as a DeKalb-Asgrow dealer.
Hurst Farms, located near Loxa, participated in on-farm studies two decades ago, which found the use of soil insecticides to be economically justified and began using insecticide on corn acres many years before it became a trend and recommended practice. The farm also drew attention across this section of the state for a soybean plot which did yield comparisons between different soybean herbicides prior to the widespread use of RoundUp Ready soybeans.
Hurst is a life-long member of the Coles County Farm Bureau and a past director of the organization. He has served as a drainage district commissioner in several watershed districts for almost 25 years.
Hurst Farms is a grain operation growing corn and soybeans. Previously, the farm raised swine and concentrated on producing purebred swine and show quality crossbreds.
As a boy, Hurst was active in local 4-H clubs and later helped 4-H youth. For many years, local 4-H swine exhibitors could purchase show prospects from his farm at a reasonable cost. Many young people were successful with the stock at the local and state levels. Hurst enjoyed witnessing their wins through the years.
Family, now including four children, their spouses, 10 grandchildren and three great- grandchildren with another great-grandchild on the way -- and a strong Christian faith have been cornerstones of the Hurst family life through the years. He talked like retirement from farming is not just over the rise for him.
“I feel blessed I’m still able to do it,” Hurst said.
When he appeared on the Red, White & Blue stage to accept his award, Hurst talked about his good fortune that “God planted me here in Coles County.”
His wife said he enjoys his work and helping others.
“That is one great thing. He still really enjoys it,” Glenda said.
Contact Herb Meeker at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.
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