NORWICH – “Being a leader is not what they call you, it’s what they see you do.”
That’s what Dan Marshman used to say, according to some of those close to him. Today, those words are inscribed on the agricultural leadership award named after the fifth generation Oxford dairy farmer, who passed away unexpectedly in 2001.
Like his motto, friends say it was Marshman’s actions – as a farm advocate, proponent of education and active community leader – that’ve made his life, and memory, so important.
“(Dan) was not glitzy. His hands were always work hands,” said friend and fellow Oxford resident Dave Emerson. “He was an all around guy who cared passionately about growing people; about helping people develop to become better business people in agriculture.”
The Dan Marshman Agricultural Leadership Award selection committee is currently seeking nominees for 2008. Candidates should include individuals or organizations that have demonstrated leadership and commitment in the agriculture industry and their communities, say award officials. The application deadline is May 1.
Judy Wright, who helped start the award in 2002, said nominations aren’t limited to farmers, and can extend to anyone who has made a difference in the county’s farm community – in any number of ways. Awarded every two years, past winners include John Mitchell, then President of the Richer Feed Company, state Assemblymen William Magee, chairman of the Assembly’s Ag Committee, and Marshman, who was given the award postumously in 2002.
“It’s for anyone who has had an impact on the ag arena,” said Wright.
Marshman helped start the county’s first agricultural leadership program, which trains farmers and others with an interest or connection to farming how to become better leaders in their communities. That program is now run as part of the Leadership Chenango, a broad leadership training program sponsored through Commerce Chenango.
The idea is to get ag leaders more involved outside of farming, as Marshman was, Wright said.
“Dan participated statewide in ag leadership,” said Wright. “He started the local program, and advocated for local programs and development.”
The actual award is a glass-enclosed case made of wood from Marshman’s home in Oxford. It contains a portrait of Marshman done by Irad Ingraham and a stone, also taken from his property, with his motto engraved on a metal plaque. It stays at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building.
“This project became a labor of love,” said Wright. “We wanted to build it, and make it special.”
Nomination forms are available at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County in Norwich. A letter of support from a community member familiar with the nominee’s contributions can be attached.
Forms must be returned on or before May 1 to Dan Marshman Agricultural Awards Chairman c/o Chenango County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 99 North Broad Street, Norwich.
The award will be given out June 12 at the Leadership Chenango Graduation.