NORWICH – “Being a leader is not what they call you, it’s what they see you do.”

That’s what Dan Marshman used to say, according to some of those close to him. Today, those words are inscribed on the agricultural leadership award named after the fifth generation Oxford dairy farmer, who passed away unexpectedly in 2001.

Like his motto, friends say it was Marshman’s actions – as a farm advocate, proponent of education and active community leader – that’ve made his life, and memory, so important.

“(Dan) was not glitzy. His hands were always work hands,” said friend and fellow Oxford resident Dave Emerson. “He was an all around guy who cared passionately about growing people; about helping people develop to become better business people in agriculture.”

The Dan Marshman Agricultural Leadership Award selection committee is currently seeking nominees for 2008. Candidates should include individuals or organizations that have demonstrated leadership and commitment in the agriculture industry and their communities, say award officials. The application deadline is May 1.

Judy Wright, who helped start the award in 2002, said nominations aren’t limited to farmers, and can extend to anyone who has made a difference in the county’s farm community – in any number of ways. Awarded every two years, past winners include John Mitchell, then President of the Richer Feed Company, state Assemblymen William Magee, chairman of the Assembly’s Ag Committee, and Marshman, who was given the award postumously in 2002.