County Extension staff and state staff from all over gather once a year for annual training. While there, they recognize outstanding achievements amongst educators and state staff. One of those recognized this year was Dave Trotter, Clark County, a long-time Extension educator in southern Indiana.

Trotter is recognized by many as the heart and soul of Purdue Forage Days. Keith Johnson, a Purdue University Extension agronomist, sets up the program, but for years it was Trotter whom organized demonstrations in the field. He dealt with countless industry folk and made sure each company with a machine to demonstrate had the opportunity to both demonstrate their tool and say a few words about it to the crowd. Trotter was also in charge of marking sings to indicate which type of machine ran where after the driver of that machine made its pass.

If his name doesn't sound familiar, his voice probably would. For many years, Trotter has announced the entire sheep show, covering several days, at the National International Livestock Exposition held in Louisville, Ky, each November. His voice was booming on the mike again this year as classes came and went form the ring.

Trotter says he emceed the sheep show at the Indiana State Fair one time. Then he was asked to help as an official in the sheep barn, so he could no longer announce the show. He has a distinctive, reassuring voice that carries well, and makes exhibitors feel comfortable. The biggest thing is that his voice is easy to distinguish and follow when he's giving directions about which class should be coming soon.

Trotter' daughter, Sarah, shows Southdown sheep as part of her 4-H Club work. He's an avid supporter of livestock shows, and likely won't retire from them anytime soon.