1994: Oren & Fannie Bender

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Bender Family

Oren and Fannie Bender along with their six children own and operate Cove Run Farms. Oren’s passion has driven his learning, especially about the dairy industry. The farm itself is a showplace for flowers and well manicured lawn and the farm house and barn. Needless to say, Oren and Fannie worked hard to create the “home place,” exactly that…a place to call home. Oren was involved in several entities throughout agriculture and the local community. In early 1960, he became a charter member of the first Garrett County Holstein Association and later served as president. He was instrumental in bringing Johnny Morris to Garrett County to help the dairy farmers prepare animals for dairy shows and classifications, etc. Oren was ordained as a minister in 1972 and has continued to delve in both careers wholeheartedly. Oren held many barn meetings to promote the growing of registered Holsteins for the county. He was the first chairman of the Garrett County Sale, judged dairy shows in Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, pedigree reader for Somerset County, served on the Eastern Southern States Board of Directors, chairman of the Regional Farm Credit Association. He was a guest speaker for many events including in the State of Georgia. Oren had two Bibles: The Holy Bible and the Holstein World. For his dedication to the industry, Oren received numerous awards throughout agriculture, including the Farming for Better Living Award (1968), Progressive Breeder Award, BAA Award and the Milk Production and Type Award. The Cove Run Farm kitchen became the diner for church and dairy clients alike. Fannie’s touch of hospitality is coveted by all who enter her home. The coffee pot was always ready to perk some fresh coffee with a few cookies. As anyone can gather, Fannie was a very strong supporter and backbone of the successful operation. She describes some conflict with wanting more family focus. The family was pulled between the farm duties, community and church needs. As a result, she has developed a back of steel and a heart of gold. Her keen business sense and organization skills kept the farm and family afloat.

Ceremony Date: 2/2/1995