Commissioners recognize local farmer for winning state award
WAYNESBURG – During their regular meeting on Feb. 21, Greene County Commissioners presented Jim Cowell of Waynesburg with a Certificate of Appreciation for his impressive contributions to agriculture and conservation in Greene County, and for recently winning a prestigious award from the state.
Cowell, owner and proprietor of Frosty Springs Farm in Waynesburg, has dedicated much of his life to serve as a proud steward of Greene County’s agriculture and environment.
He has served or is currently serving on various boards, including as Chairman for the Greene County Conservation District and currently as President of the Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association and as an active member of the Pennsylvania Simmental Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and a lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
He has also earned numerous awards for his involvement in many activities and events throughout the years, including: Outstanding Conservation Farm by the Greene County Conservation District, Honorary Chapter Member of Waynesburg and West Greene FFA, Environmental Stewardship Award and Special Recognition Award by Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association and PACD Clean Water Award.
Last year, he was nominated by the Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association to receive the Pennsylvania State Council of Farm Organizations’ first-ever Dedication to Agriculture Award for his impressive efforts and dedication. On Feb. 5, he was honored with this prestigious award during a ceremony in Harrisburg.
He routinely hosts farm events and has hosted numerous field days, works with the local 4-H and Future Farmers of America chapters and works closely with Waynesburg University to host classes each year and works on projects with graduate students.
He has also logged countless hours in program development in rural Greene County and throughout the state of Pennsylvania as a volunteer for various agricultural and conservation initiatives.
The Commissioners’ Certificate of Appreciation was accepted by Cowell, who was joined by Lisa Snider, Conservation District manager.
Commissioner Blair Zimmerman said the Board of Commissioners “recognize Mr. Cowell for his admirable contributions to agriculture and conservation in Greene County, and congratulate him for receiving the recent impressive honor of being selected as the winner of the first-ever Pennsylvania Council of Farm Organizations’ Dedication to Agriculture Award.”
While accepting the Certificate of Appreciation, Cowell humbly thanked the Commissioners and stated that “while it’s nice to win an award, I have to say that I had a lot of help,” giving credit to the Conservation District, who, according to Cowell, “does one heck of a job.”
“It’s not about one person, it’s about a group of dedicated people working together,” he said.
He said he is very proud of being able to open his farm to the public, in hopes that those who visit will become more educated and informed about agriculture and conservation.