UNION CITY, Ind. — Eric Bentz, a Randolph County farmer, was named Farmer/Agri of the Year at the luncheon for the State Line Heritage Days (SLHD) kick-off Wednesday afternoon at the Elks Lodge.

“A young boy started farming on his parents’ farm when he was hardly able to touch the pedals on the tractor,” said Sandy Hernandez before she announced the Farmer of the Year’s name. “Born in 1964, growing up was different for this young man as sports was not an option. His responsibilities were to take care of the family livestock and things around the farm. Being very active in 4-H and FFA, there wasn’t time for anything else.”

The presenter went on, “In 1986, at the age of 22, he started farming on his own, being a grain farmer and livestock farmer and taking care of 2,000 hogs and 60,000 chickens. He now grain farms 1,295 acres only.”

Bentz, son of Larry and Dolores Bentz, accepted the award from John Fraze [and Seed Consultants] who has been presenting this award for 31 years.

Bentz, who graduated from Union City Community High School in 1982, married Angela Deckard in 1993 and they have four children, Samantha, Wyatt, Kaitline and Emily and three grandchildren.Shortly after their marriage, he purchased the home and farm his great-great-great-grandfather built, where he raised his family and still resides.

Bentz has been driving school bus for 21 years for Randolph County Eastern School Corp. and serves as a Wayne County Township Board of Trustees member.

The award presentation was just one of the highlights of the kick-off.

Festival Chair Jana Bruggeman introduced the SLHD committee and thanked those who made this year’s event possible, and the Rev. Sam Davenport gave the invocation and benediction.

Pam Pratt once again reported the events for this year’s State Line Heritage Days.

“There is a lot happening in the next four days,” said Pratt, who went on to let everyone in attendance know what the plans were for the festival.

Lunch was provided by Bousers Barn.