2003: John H. Murray Family

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Murray Family

 John H. Murray and his sons operate a 350-acre operation in Somerset County with 25,000 broilers, 350 beef cattle, grain and forages. In addition to beef cattle, Murray has a cow-calf operation. He grows all of his cattle feed and all cattle are grown to finished market weights. John is known as one of the great producers among residents and other farmers in Somerset County. Among his strong community involvement, John has served as charter president of the Somerset County Fair Board, director of the Somerset County Farm Bureau, a trustee of the Asbury United Methodist Church, a member of the Kent County Agricultural Land Preservation Board, member of the Mt. Vernon Fire Company and numerous other committees. John has received countless awards and is recognized throughout the agricultural community for his hard work and dedication. He received the Outstanding Young Farmer Award (1956) and the Somerset Soil Conservation District Farmer of the Year (1974). The Murray family was recognized by the Rehobeth Ruritan Club as the Somerset Farm Family of the Year (2001). He was also very involved with the 4-H and FFA.

Ceremony Date: 2/5/04