During a recent meeting of the Darke County Farmers Union, a special award was given to Duane Shields, past Darke County Farmers Union President.

Shields served as president for the organization for over twelve years from the year 2000 to 2012.  During that time, he was the first person from the county to serve on the Ohio Farmers Union Executive Committee.

Shields participated in many long Executive Committee meetings and was instrumental in helping to reorganize the Ohio Farmers Union after administrative issues in the state-office.  He also made several trips to Washington, D. C. on legislative fly-ins to fight for the rights and interests of family farmers.

Shields was presented a certificate and a clock that was presented by Darke County President Todd Rhoades. The award demonstrates great appreciation for the progress made in the Darke County under his leadership and as an acknowledgement of his gift for strengthening the local organization’s relationship with the Ohio and National Farmers Union organizations.