Jerry Halsey always looked for ways to help fellow farmers in need.

In 1986, Halsey read an article in a local newspaper about a South Carolina farmer who was suffering problems with his livestock due to droughts in the East.

The article ran with a picture showing the farmer, D.E. Fultz, standing in a dried up pond. The article and photo inspired Halsey to try to help.

Halsey called information and asked for Fultz’s phone number, and then he called Fultz.

“We told him that we would try to help him,” said Halsey, who organized a group of area farmers to aid Fultz and other farmers fighting the drought.

At first, the people of Fort Mill, S.C., were hesitant of the situation.

“They didn’t trust the Yankees,” said Julene Halsey, Jerry’s wife. “They were worried that we wanted money.”

“We got this telephone call saying that they were coming down with a caravan of grain and hay,” said Mary Jo Fultz. “We almost ignored it because we thought it was too good to be true.”

Halsey organized a group of 15-20 individuals who made eight trips to Fort Mill to deliver grain, hay and feed. Halsey went on four of these trips.

Upon arrival in South Carolina, the group set up in a large distribution center parking lot and began distributing the goods to farmers in need.

Halsey’s effort made a tremendous impact on the Fort Mill farmers, Fultz said.

“For other small farmers in the area, it probably meant that they did not have to sell off their few animals,” she said.

The visiting farmers also impacted the community by all attending the local church on the Sunday they were in Fort Mill. Having the visitors almost doubled the attendance at the service, and Julene Halsey sang during the service, Fultz said.

The Halseys and the Fultzs have remained friends and continue to stay in contact 20 years later.

“No one knows how wonderful it was to have a group of strangers come to our community and make lasting friendships,” Fultz said. “The fact they came to help our small community is remarkable.”

The Fultz family has also made a few trips to Illinois to visit the Halseys and spend time with the family.

“The whole family is just wonderful people and I would not give anything for the experience of getting to know them,” Fultz said.

In addition to his South Carolina mission trips, Halsey has also made six mission trips to Hazard, Ky. Halsey helped collect toys, clothes, and other items for children, and then he delivered them to Kentucky around Thanksgiving time each year.

Halsey’s missionary work was part of the reason he was named the 2006 Coles County Farmer of the Year at Charleston’s Red, White and Blue Days on July 3.

The award is based on several criteria including major contribution to agriculture in Coles County, use of innovative farming techniques, willingness to help other farmers, community involvement outside of agriculture and serving as a role model to young farmers.

Halsey’s willingness to help other farmers is clearly demonstrated through his missionary work in South Carolina, but he also personifies the other criteria considered in the award.

In 1977, Halsey served a benefit to Coles County agriculture by building the 4H show ring at the county fairgrounds. Prior to the construction of the show ring, the organization used a tent with no fences.

But accidents began occurring and people were injured by steer that got loose.

“That’s when we decided we had better build something permanent,” said Halsey.

Halsey was also active in 4H as an organization. When he was younger, Halsey was a member of the organization, and he and Julene participating in livestock shows, showing cattle and horses.

Years later, Halsey’s involvement with the organization changed.

“After our kids got in it, I got to be the leader of a club [the Kickapoo Ranglers],” he said.

Halsey served as a leader in 4H for 15 years, from 1970-1985. During his time with 4H, Halsey helped to build the 4H center. Halsey’s involvement with 4H demonstrated contribution to Coles County and his willingness to be a role model to young farmers.

Halsey was also involved with several other organizations, some within agriculture and some in other aspects of the community. Halsey has been a member of the Coles County Farm Bureau for nearly 50 years.

He has also belonged to the Hutton Masonic Lodge for 42 years and he and Jolene currently attend Salisbury Church.

A piece of Coles County history has also been the Halsey family for years. Halsey’s grandfather came to Illinois from Kentucky and bought a piece of land on the Coles and Douglas county line. In 1943, the family bought their current farm, located off Route 130.

His father bought the current farm because it was better for cattle raising than the previous family farm. The family also raised horses, both for riding and working, and this farm worked out better. When the Halsey family bought the land, they also bought the Round Barn, which today is a Coles County landmark.

“It’s a privilege to have it here,” said Julene Halsey, who hosted a craft show at the barn from 1995-2003. “I love it.”

Representatives of the University of Illinois designed the Round Barn, and the Anderson family, who owned to land prior to the Halseys, built the barn.

Last year, the Halseys renovated the inside of the house on the family farm, and they moved in this past February.

“Now Jerry’s back home where he grew up,” said Julene Halsey.

The Halseys have a similar plan for the Round Barn.

“Hopefully we’re going to get the Round Barn worked on soon,” said Halsey. “That’s the next project if I can stay healthy.”

Two years ago, Jerry suffered from a stroke, and he retired from farming and rented out the farmland to two men who work it for him.

“I just wasn’t able to do all the work I needed to do,” he said.

According to Julene Halsey, it was difficult to find a way to get Jerry to the Red, White and Blue Days festival where he was announced as a winner.

“He had no idea he was being honored,” she said. “I didn’t know how I was going to get him there.”

“We usually don’t go to those things,” said Halsey. “I don’t like big crowds.”

Halsey said it was an honor to be presented the award.

“It’s quite an honor,” he said. “I was surprised and shocked.”

After accepting his award, Halsey wished to thank his family.

“I would like to thank my family,” he said. “Without them, this would not be possible. Thank you very much.”

The Halseys have two children, David Halsey of Oak Brook Terrace, Ill., and Kris McBenge, who lives on the other family farm. They also have three grandchildren.

“We get to see them almost every day,” said Halsey. “It’s nice they live so close.”

Jerry Halsey receives the Coles County Farmer of the year award at Charleston’s Red White and Blue days on Monday, July 3rd. Halsey gave credit to his family for his accomplishments.

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