Country World editor awarded; TCAAA recognizes six individuals

From staff Reports

Country World Editor Lori Cope (third from left) was awarded the "Person of the Year in Texas Agriculture" by the Texas County Agriculture Agents Association. She is pictured with District 4 agriculture Extension agents (from left to right), TCAAA Vice President, Brian Cummins, Van Zandt County; Sara Allen, Hunt County; and TCAAA Awards Committee Chairperson Lynn Golden, Red River County. -- Courtesy photo

July 21, 2005 - For her dedication to agriculture, Lori Cope of Hopkins County was honored during the Texas County Agriculture Agents Association's "Man of the Year in Texas Agriculture" banquet July 12.

TCAAA conferenced in Odessa July 11-13, and honored six individuals with the award that has been sponsored by the association for 42 years.

Cope, editor of Country World newspapers, received the award for Texas Cooperative Extension District 4. She was cited for "her personal dedication and effort in keeping the public informed and updated on agricultural and rural issues" through the three Country World editions (Northeast, Central, and South Central regional publications). She was raised on a farm in Delta County, and she and her husband Don have owned a dairy, and a hog farm, but now raise a few beef cattle at their farm near Como.

Cope said, "The message of "If you eat, you are involved in agriculture" means a lot to me. I like the fact that in my job I can help spread this message to the general public, and provide information that's useful to the ag producers and rural residents. ... I am thankful I can generate my income from a job involved in agriculture, but is not dependent on true agriculture production."

In Hopkins County, Cope serves on the Extension Program Council, and was named the county's Extension Supporter in 1999. She has also received the H.M. Baggerly Media Award for "excellence in reporting issues affecting Texas family farmers" from Texas Farmers Union.

"Lori sees her work with County World as a partnership with county Extension agents," said Sara Allen, Hunt County Extension agent, who presented the award to Cope in Odessa. Country World, headquartered in Sulphur Springs, has three regional editions and encompasses over 150 of Texas' 254 counties. Within Country World's coverage areas, "Lori's impact each week is tremendous, as well as valuable, to all concerned," Allen added.

Other award winners recognized at the July 12 banquet were Tommy Womack of Swisher County (District 2); George "Tee" Knox of Martin County (District 6); Vince Neuhaus of McLennan County (District 8); Rep. Carter Casteel of Comal County (District 10); and Ed Ritchie of Zavala County (District 12).

At the conclusion of the banquet, Dr. Ed Smith, Texas Cooperative Extension director and Texas A&M University associate vice chancellor, congratulated this year's award winners. "There are thousands of volunteers within Extension, and you've chosen these six to recognize them for their leadership. They are to be commended."