(AVONDALE, February 29, 2012) – The Arizona Farming and Ranching Hall of Fame was created in 2007 to honor the men and women who have contributed to this major segment of Arizona's heritage. The pioneers who established the historic ranches and farms of Arizona also contributed to the state's growth in so many other ways. They helped build schools, banks, churches, and served as legislators, mayors, council members, and on school boards. This year's Fifth Annual Hall of Fame Honoree's Dinner on March 3 unveiled a new item, which is an official Arizona Centennial Legacy Project.

As Arizona celebrates its Centennial in 2012, the Hall of Fame has published Arizona Farming and Ranching Hall of Fame, Vol. One, 2008-2012, a 220-page book containing photos and oral histories of each of the 43 honorees from 2008 to 2012. Essays on agricultural history and water issues past, present, and future are also included. The book, an official Arizona Centennial Legacy Project, was introduced at the 2012 Honoree's Dinner. Eight Arizona agricultural pioneers from across the state were also honored.

The 2012 inductees into the Hall of Fame are William O. Baldwin (Parker Valley/Skull Valley), former State Senator Jack Brown (St. Johns), former State Senator John Hays (Skull Valley), Carl G. Stevenson (Red Rock), and Robert and Victoria Van Hofwegen (Tolleson), as well as three posthumous honorees: Joseph K. Feffer (Dewey), Howard Warren Lydic (Peoria), and Kenneth B. McMicken (Litchfield Park).

The Farming and Ranching Hall of Fame will be housed at Arizona Farm and Ranch Experience, Heritage Center at Lakin Farm, a nonprofit educational facility under development in Avondale. Honorees represent ranches and farms across the state from Navajo Nation to Douglas, Safford to Parker, and much of Central Arizona. The honorees are farmers, ranchers, writers, beekeepers, and those in business.

"As development continues across Arizona, our agricultural and ranching legacy is fast disappearing," said Carole De Cosmo, chair of the Farming and Ranching Hall of Fame. "New residents often see only houses, skyscrapers, and malls where the verdant fields, orchards, ranches, and dairies that were responsible for the economic development of Arizona once flourished. To preserve this history, the Arizona Farm and Ranch Experience, Heritage Center at Lakin Farm has established the Arizona Farming and Ranching Hall of Fame, where visitors will learn about the contributions the honorees have made to Arizona's past and future."

Arizona Farming and Ranching Hall of Fame, Vol. One, 2008-2012, which sells for $40, is available for purchase at Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, 289 North Litchfield Road, Goodyear, or it can be ordered by e-mailing Carole@azfarmandranchexperience.com or codeco2@aol.com. An additional $10 for shipping and handling will be charged for mailed copies.

Contributors to the book are Dr. George Seperich, Professor at Arizona State University Morrison School of Agribusiness, and Catherine May, Senior Historical Analyst at Salt River Project. Nancy Brandt of Litchfield Park wrote the individual histories based on interviews with the honorees. Graphic designer is Marty Underwood of Avondale; Mike Nanden, with Orcutt/Winslop Partnership designed the cover. The book is self-published and printed by O'Neill Printing, Phoenix.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2013 Hall of Fame.

More information about the book and the Arizona Farming and Ranching Hall of Fame is available at www.azfarmandranchexperience.com, where a Hall of Fame nomination form is also available. Contact Carole De Cosmo to arrange book signings or presentations at codeco2@aol.com.