For almost 100 years the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture has periodically awarded its prestigious Gold Medal to persons and organizations that have made notable contributions to agriculture and the food system. Consistent with its mission to bring to the forefront agricultural and food system research and innovations, the Gold Medal recognizes those who have made contributions to the well-being of our nation – and the world. Those who have received the prestigious Gold Medal of the Society are honored as leaders in the march toward a better world through agriculture.
Gold Medal Award Winners
Miss Elizabeth Cole White, of Burlington County, New Jersey. A Distinguished Service Certificate for her remarkable development work with blueberries, so largely contributing toward creating a new industry.
Edwin Stanton Bayard, A.M., of Pittsburgh, Agricultural Editor of influence and independence.
Jacob G. Lipman, M.A., D. SC, Ph.D., Dean of Agriculture and Director of New Jersey Experiment Station.
Floyd Steinmetz Bucher, B.S., of Lancaster County, an extension worker of great merit.
Lt. Col. Clarence James Marshall. For sacrificing personal interest to serve in the School of Veterinary Science at the University fo Pennsylvania for thirty-five years.
Henry William Jeffers of Walker-Gordon Company. For Agricultural Leadership.
Ephraim Tomlinson Gill, of New Jersey. For pioneering in Advanced Registry work with cattle.
Abram Bunn Ross. For Distinguished Service in Agriculture.
Ezra Strickland Deubler. Maker of the first hog cholera serum to be manufactured in Pennsylvania.
George Fisher Curwen. In sincere appreciation of painstaking and eminently satisfactory services, beyond the call of duty, as Secretary of the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture over a long period of years.
John Okie. For the publication of the book, Memoirs of the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture,, Vol. VI.
Lester Collins, President of the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture for many years. Founder of New Jersey Peach Council and leader in numerous other agricultural interests.
Harry Hayward. Dean and Director of the Delaware Agricultural Experiment Station. A real friend to agriculture and a counselor to youth.
David Burpee. In recognition of his accomplishments in Horticulture and in the production of new and improved varieties of flowers and vegetables.
Selman A. Waksman. Microbiologist, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. In recognition of outstanding service to humanity and of valuable and specific contributions to the knowledge of Medicine, Mycology and Soil Science.
The County Agents of the Agricultural Extension Service. In recognition of their tireless service in bringing to their agricultural communities constant
and invaluable assistance, knowledge and encouragement in the solution on the many problems relating to the soil
Received by Milton S. Eisenhower.
against diseases threatening farm crops and for contributing his knowledge and experience to the War Production Board, The National Research Council, The Federal Security Agencies, and The Hoover Commission.
Vernon D. Northrop, President, Food Distribution Center, Philadelphia. In recognition of his leadership in the cooperative establishment and operation of the world-famous Food Distribution Center.
R. Henry Morris III, Agricultural Research Service, USDA. For distinguished service to agriculture in pioneering a plan to expedite commercial utilization of research.
Wheeler McMillen, Vice-President, Farm Journal, Inc. Chairman of the Board, The Chemurgic Council. Outstanding agricultural journalist and untiring advocate of research to find new uses for farm crops.
and Public Relations.
Public Service.
W. Beverly Murphy, former CEO Campbell Soup Company. For your leadership and service to the food industry, your country, and to the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture.
Richard C. Waybright, Mason Dixon Farms. For your lifelong dedication to the field of agriculture.
Stuart G. Younkin. Former Vice-President and Director of Research, Campbell Soup Company. For your outstanding work in agricultural sciences and related fields.
Team Barbaro: Edgar Prado, jockey; Michael Matz, trainer; Peter Brett, assistant trainer; Dr. Dean Richardson & Staff, Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania; Gretchen and Roy Jackson, owners. For working so devotedly to try to save the Champion, while calling the attention of a world-wide audience to the care and concern of equine professionals.
Walnridge Farm, owned by David A. Meirs II and Richard S. Meirs. For contributions in the breeding of Standardbred horses.
Bend-in-the-Creek Farm, owned by Gary A. and Sandra Sojka. For research and care of endangered species of sheep and chickens.
The Company Farm, owned by Fred S, and Barbara Winter. For the development of the gardens containing a large collection of Rhododendrons and other rare specimen plants.
Russell Redding ,PA Secretary of Agriculture in recognition of the commitment and integrity brought to Pennsylvania agriculture. His steady hand of leadership, immense ability effect change, and commitment to solving problems makes him a rare leader in an industry that impacts each and every citizen.
Thomas Vilsak, US Secretary of Agriculture for tireless and effective efforts to strengthen U.S. agriculture, agricultural research, the rural economy, food and energy security, food safety, better nutrition programs for people at risk, and for promoting the importance of U.S. agriculture every day in every way.