Extension Educator Recognized for Improving Image of All-American Dairy Show - Cowsmo

Extension Educator Recognized for Improving Image of All-American Dairy Show

Harrisburg, PA – Edward Pruss of Lake Ariel, Pa., is the All-American Dairy Show’s 2015 Image Award winner.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will present the award at the show’s Dairy Farmer Appreciation Banquet on Monday, September 14, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center.

The Image Award is presented annually to an individual who has enhanced the image of the All-American Dairy Show with significant contributions to its reputation, prestige and welfare.

Ed Pruss drives a tractor hauling tack, exhibitors, and fellow Extension Educators to higher ground during the flooding that cancelled the 2004 All-American.
Ed Pruss drives a tractor hauling tack, exhibitors, and fellow Extension Educators to higher ground during the flooding that cancelled the 2004 All-American.

 

“Ed Pruss is a model of service to the dairy industry as both his vocation and his avocation,” said Redding. “As a farmer, extension educator and volunteer for dairy youth programs, Ed exemplifies what it means to give back to the dairy industry. His quiet leadership has improved the image of the All-American and, more importantly, benefitted generations of dairy farm families along the way.”

Pruss’s 31-year involvement with the All-American Dairy Show began in 1984 when he joined the Holstein Committee as a clerk/helper. A few years later, he joined the Jersey Committee, and then served two years as Jersey Superintendent. Next he worked as Guernsey Superintendent for two years and then joined the Holstein Committee. A quiet worker, Ed can be found working at the check-in stations, motoring from task to task across the complex by golf cart, and verifying catalog information.

“During the infamous flooding of 2004 that ultimately cancelled the All-American, Ed was one of the first to organize a way to move cattle, tack and exhibitors to higher ground, using a tractor and wagon,” said Lolly Lesher, All-American promotions coordinator. “Ed’s constant service and willingness to help each and every committee is another example of his work ethic and desire to enhance and improve the show.”

Pruss is a 37-year Penn State Dairy Extension Educator in Wayne County, where he oversees adult dairy programming and 4-H dairy project work, and serves as the 4-H dairy judging coach for Pennsylvania’s Wayne County as well as Sullivan County in New York. In addition, he serves on the Dairy Day/Ag Day committee and coordinates a 4-H Dairy Camp for the two counties. He is chair of the Northeastern Pennsylvania District 4-H/FFA Dairy Show Committee and a member of the Penn State Extension Livestock Team. Pruss is also an expert on stray voltage, having consulted in multiple stray voltage cases across Pennsylvania.

He is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Animal Science.  He raises pigs and chickens and grows pumpkins, potatoes and sweet corn on the family dairy farm purchased from his grandparents.

Previous Image Award recipients include:

  • 2014 – Gary Hennip of Rome, Bradford County
  • 2013 – Denise Whiting of Slippery Rock, Butler County, and Steve Cornman of Boiling Springs, Cumberland County
  • 2012 – Jane Pepple of Oxford, Chester County
  • 2011 – Duane and Donna Duncan of Carlisle, Cumberland County
  • 2010 – David Swartz of Loysville, Perry County
  • 2009 – Harry Thompson and Kathy Walton
  • 2008 – Dave Smith
  • 2007 – Ken Raney
  • 2006 – David Dunbar
  • 2005 – Janet Harding
  • 2004 – Eugene and Carol Schurman
  • 2003 – John Harris
  • 2002 – Sam Hayes
  • 2001 – Rita Kennedy
  • 2000 – Robert Rugaber
  • 1999 – Don Ace
  • 1998 – Elsie Wolff
  • 1997 – Obie Snider
  • 1996 – Larry Specht
  • 1995 – John Morris
  • 1994 – Steve Spencer
  • 1993 – Lee Yost and John Walker.

 

The All-American Dairy Show features 22 shows in six days in addition to the nation’s only all-dairy antiques show. Last year’s show featured nearly 2,800 animals and more than 1,300 exhibitors from across the nation. For more information, visit www.allamerican.state.pa.us.

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