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10/05

“Gathering” Evening Speaker      It is my pleasure to introduce our speaker for Friday, March 10, 2006 – 7:00 p.m. Ray Defenbaugh Guest Speaker Committing to a Way of Life      Don McKinley, a member of Deer Valley Collectors, called conference planners in January, 2005 and informed us he had met an extraordinary gentleman at a tractor show whose life experiences as a farmer, family man, teacher, businessman, community volunteer, John Deere enthusiast and farm accident survivor should be shared with “Gathering” folks. A subsequent conversation with that man, Ray Defenbaugh, quickly made the decision – we would invite him to be our Friday evening speaker.      Ray Defenbaugh has been active in production agriculture and agribusiness for forty-plus years, owning a 1400 acre grain and livestock farm near Biggsville, Illinois as well as other businesses. He and his wife, Alice, work together with their three married sons. Ray has been active in banking for over 34 years and as an entrepreneur was instrumental in the development of a 60 million dollar ethanol plant of which he is currently the president, CEO and chairman. In addition, he is active in his church as well as community and charitable affairs such as the Warren County YMCA Foundation, Biggsville Lions Club, Pattee Foundation, and the Warren County Historical Society. His list of accomplishments and honors go on and on!      In 1963, while in high school, Ray was involved in a severe farm accident. While driving a tractor-mounted corn picker, it hit a 2,400 volt high line wire which cost the life of a good friend as well as the loss of Defenbaugh’s right arm and parts of both feet. He defied the odds by overcoming his injuries to go on to college, to continue farming full-time, and to live a productive and useful life.      Ray graduated with honors from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Education and an M.S. Degree in Agricultural Economics. With all of his activities and accomplishments in business and community affairs, Ray has placed farming as a top priority. The pride in farming, together with a focus on the traditional rural values, forms the cornerstones of Defenbaugh family life. Their farm, known as Beulah Land, is the family hub.      Interestingly, whenever possible Ray employs traditional farming methods using old equipment including John Deere. He frequently exchanges equipment for labor with his neighbors, a way of keeping the neighboring tradition alive. Ray told us it will be a privilege to speak to the “Gathering” as he has much invested in the land and agriculture itself and feels compelled to promote it at every opportunity.      Join Ray Defenbaugh as he shares his insights on committing to a way of life. Meet the SATURDAY EVENING SPEAKER STAY TUNED TO THIS WEB SITE FOR NEW INFORMATION.

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