Hennessey native Dr. Barry Pollard will be recognized as the recipient of the Governor’s Outstanding Achievement Award in Agriculture and the 23rd inductee into the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Neurosurgeon by day and farmer by night, the Waukomis rancher has held many roles, but passion for agriculture runs deep.

Pollard credits his rural Hennessey upbringing for his love for all aspects of the farming life.

“I was always actively involved in 4-H and FFA,” said Pollard. “We showed hogs, sheep, cattle – county fair, state fair, you name it.

“I really cherished my agriculture background and I never envisioned myself being a big-city doctor. I wanted to come home and be around the people I grew up with and live the agriculture life I experienced as a child.”

Pollard attended Oklaho ma State University where he pursued a biochemistry degree from the college of agriculture.

After graduating in 1973, Pollard finished his education at the University of Oklahoma, where he became a board-certified neurosurgeon.

Pollard said his agricultural education at OSU was the best foundation for his medical career.

“We are proud of all our great Oklahoma farmers and ranchers, but we are exceptionally excited to honor Dr. Barry Pollard this year as an outstanding agriculturist and service-minded citizen,” state agriculture secretary Blayne Arthur said. “He raises the bar for all people who would like to promote and support our state’s agriculture industry.”

“When it comes to giving back, Dr. Pollard is an example to follow,” Scott Eisenhauer, general manager and vice president of P&K Equipment, the company Pollard cofounded. “He truly cares about others and wants to help them achieve their goals.”

Pollard opened a private practice in the rural community of Enid in 1982.

Recognizing the healthcare shortage, Pollard founded the OSU Medical Cowboys program while serving on the OSU foundation board of trustees.

He also raised more than $3.7 million in scholarships to support the next generation of healthcare professionals and veterinarians.

Pollard continues to encourage students from rural areas to return to their communities and practice medicine. In 2008, the Barry Pollard, M.D/P&K Equipment Inc. Professorship in Agribusiness was established to encourage excellence in cross-disciplinary teaching and scholarships in agri-business.

“Dr. Pollard is quick to give his time and resources,” said Mark McCully, American Angus Association chief executive officer. “His heart for giving back inspires everyone he meets.”

Shortly after opening his practice in Enid, Pollard partnered with Wendell Kirtley to buy a John Deere dealership in Kingfisher. This partnership led to the foundation of P&K Equipment.

Today, that dealerships network spans across the state – as well as parts of Arkansas and Iowa. For more than 30 years, P&K Equipment has been on the leading edge of technology and customer service.

“Barry exemplifies what a leader should look like,” Eisenhauer said. “I consider him more of a ‘servant-leader.’ He is truly passionate about many things, but in particular, agriculture and rural Oklahoma.”

Pollard is married to Roxanne Pollard and together they have five children – Barrett, Austin and Preston Pollard and Jeff and April King – and 11 grandchildren.

The Outstanding Achievement in Agriculture Award is the highest award given by the Governor to honor distinguished Oklahoma agriculture producers.

This prestigious award honors leaders in the agriculture industry who exemplify personal values, performance, and achievement.