Philip Harmison Family to get Farming Heritage Award at fair

The seventh annual Farming Heritage Award will be presented to the Philip Harmison Family — Philip, Juanita, John, Susan, Gregory, Kody and Kory of Berkeley Springs.

The award is sponsored by the West Virginia State Fair and West Virginia Farm Bureau and is presented to a family who has demonstrated a commitment to a rural lifestyle, been involved in their community and served as role models to others in the state.

Seven generations of the Harmison Family have been involved in farming. They primarily raise beef cattle and run 150 brood cows.

As time permits, family members do custom farm work and provide lime hauling services. The Harmison Family continues the legacy of community service with memberships in agriculture associations and community and civic activities.

The Harmison Family will participate in the Farming Heritage Award Ceremony on Thursday, August 16, "Governor's Day," at the State Fair. Their award will be presented by State Fair chairman Jerry Cook and West Virginia Farm Bureau president Charles Wilfong.

Governor Earl Tomblin and Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass will participate in the awards ceremony. Also included in the award package is a day at the fair, including overnight accommodations, free admission, preferred parking, as well as an engraved stone award.

Applicants for the 2012 Farming Heritage Award represented eight counties. The judges commended them for their dedication and longevity to the farming industry.

For more information on the Farming Heritage Award, as well as information on the 2012 State Fair, visit the fair’s website.

The State Fair at Lewisburg, is themed "Memories that grow...year after year.” It is scheduled August 10-18.