With hugs, handshakes and smiles, the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Services office celebrated the retirement of longtime extension agent Doug Shepherd on Friday.
Meals and fellowship with Shepard’s friends and family filled every nook and cranny of the building’s conference rooms. This room is named after Shepard, who was a key figure in its construction.
“This is because he was involved,” said Rick Thomas, gesturing around him in the conference room.
Thomas, who has worked with local extension worker Shepard thousands of times since 1990, said he has always been a force for good. said Shepard was important.
“One of the most profitable things he’s done is helping put that money out to help[farmers]transition away from tobacco,” Thomas said. “It has helped so many farmers.”
Jim Williams said he was one of the oldest members of the Society and had known Shepard since he started.
“I knew he was a very intelligent person because he could take on too many assignments in too many places and never back down,” Williams said. I was.
Jackie Rogers said he started his career as an extension worker in 1953 and spent a lot of time with Sheppard as an intern in 1970.
“He was always friendly and friendly with everyone,” she said. “He always did his best, no matter what the circumstances, to represent the University of Kentucky.”
Bob Owsley, Chairman of the Board of The Cecilian Bank, came to congratulate Mr. Shepherd.
“I’ve known him since he came to Elizabethtown,” said Ausley. “I asked him questions and he always helped me.”
Ausley joked. I’m his 90 and he still beats me to retirement. ”
Shepard said he was a little overwhelmed as more and more favorable people came to greet him.
“But it’s nice to see a lot of old friends,” he said.
Shepard said he was proud of Kentucky Heartland Village, which was created during the 2010 Heartland Festival at Lake Freeman.
“It was a big program that affected a lot of people.”
He also said he was proud of their efforts for the state’s beef industry, not just in leadership, but in management practices and other policies as well.
Shepard said he has a small farm in Larue County.