Honoring Agriculture's Legacy: Three Inducted into the National Agriculture Hall of Fame

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It’s always inspiring to see those who dedicate their lives to agriculture recognized for their impact. Recently, the National Agricultural Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs, Kansas, welcomed three remarkable individuals: Michael Hinton, creator of Antique Tractor Preservation Day; Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture; and Wendell Murphy, North Carolina swine producer.

The induction ceremony took place at the National Agricultural Center, a landmark institution born from a federal charter established by the 85th Congress and signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in August of 1960. Today, the center stands as a tribute to America’s farming heritage—home to antique machinery exhibits, historic buildings, and the Agricultural Hall of Fame itself.

Visitors are encouraged to tour the site during its open season, where they can step back in time and experience firsthand how agriculture has shaped our nation.

Giving Back to the Heart of Agriculture

Michael Hinton shared heartfelt words during the ceremony about what the Hall of Fame represents to him:

“My lifelong goal has always been to give something back to agriculture—to our nation, to my hometown of Newton, Kansas, the community of Hutchison, Kansas, and to the people of this great state, each of whom have given me so much in return.”

That spirit of gratitude and service was shared by all three inductees, who have each made a lasting mark on agriculture through innovation, leadership, and education.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Board of Governors member Stephen Tuttle reflected on his passion for sharing American agriculture with the world:

“The last time I was with a large group, we had 40 people from Australia come through here. I explained how we grow and what we do, and what kind of wheat we have. It’s always interesting. I’ve also taken groups from Brazil, Pakistan, and numerous other countries interested in seeing what we provide here in the central part of the United States.”

His words capture the essence of what the National Agricultural Hall of Fame celebrates—people who make a difference not only locally, but globally.