Dedicated agriculturalists are the backbone to Oklahoma’s agriculture industry, and Oklahoma takes pride in those who advocate for it.
Among the many Oklahoma agriculturalists, only a select few are honored with the Governor’s Outstanding Achievement Award in Agriculture.
The award seeks to recognize exemplary Oklahoma agriculture leaders who display innovation, accomplishment and conduct within the industry.
Rodd Moesel, former Oklahoma 4-H Foundation president, received this prestigious award and was the 17th Oklahoman to be inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry in March 2014.
Moesel’s agricultural roots run deep into his childhood. He was raised on his family’s truck cropping operation in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, before moving to Oklahoma City at age nine.
In Oklahoma City, his family established their greenhouse business, Moesel’s Hort Haven, where his knowledge of horticulture grew immensely.
Moving to a new city, Moesel was eager to join the local 4-H club.
“Mom had been a 4-H’er and a national winner in 4-H, so I grew up hearing stories about 4-H,” he said.
As a 4-H member, Moesel was active in projects such as horticulture, citizenship and leadership. He credits his accomplishments to the skills he learned as a 4-H’er.
“Rodd Moesel has always been quick to give credit to 4-H for the leadership, communication and business skills he has used throughout his life,” said Jim Rutledge, former executive director of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. “He is truly one of the best examples we have of an outstanding alumnus who has made the most of his 4-H experiences.”
During his time as the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation president, Moesel made lasting contributions to serve the organization that planted the seeds to his success.
“He served as president of the 4-H Foundation during the period of our greatest growth in assets and helped us think outside the box in ways we had never done before,” Rutledge said.
Rodd was one of the driving forces behind the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation’s involvement with the Oklahoma State University Foundation.
He saw the financial advantage of investing unrestricted money in programs that would be matched by others including T. Boone Pickens and the State of Oklahoma.
Moesel encouraged the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation to invest in the Pickens Legacy scholarships, which will result in more than $1.4 million being endowed to support 4-H scholarships. In addition to encouraging others to participate in this program, Moesel and his family joined in the effort and will someday have a $100,000 endowment to support horticulture projects.
He also has served in top leadership roles for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Greenhouse Growers Association, North American Horticulture Supply Association and the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching.
Moesel is currently the president and co-owner of American Plant Products and Services, Inc., a wholesale company raising foliage plants and selling greenhouse structures and equipment.
He believes the prosperity of Oklahoma agriculture comes from the involvement of more people, even if it is as simple as taking up gardening.
“The more people you can get gardening, the more you can then use that experience to help people understand the problems farmers face,” he said. “Agriculture is important because it feeds the soul and the stomach.”
Photo provided by Rodd Moesel
Published 2014