By Jolene FarleyTwo former Rock County residents were named to the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame.Lee Sandager, formerly of Hills, and James Crawford, formerly of Beaver Creek, were among 75 chosen out of 180 nominations."The 75 people selected were pioneers and leaders in agricultural education in Minnesota during the 75 years of Minnesota FFA," Minnesota State FFA Advisor Joel Larson said. Sandager and Crawford were inducted into the Hall of Fame Monday, April 26, during the Minnesota FFA Convention. The FFA Hall of Fame began this year as part of the 75th Anniversary of FFA celebration. The Minnesota FFA Alumni Association tentatively plans to induct one to three people per year to the Hall of Fame after this year, according to Larson.The following excerpts are only a sampling of the men’s achievements.James CrawfordJames Crawford, Mountain Lake, was nominated for the Hall of Fame by three individuals."The time and commitment Mr. James Crawford dedicated to the FFA and agricultural community is unparalleled," Tom Appel of the Mountain Lake FFA Chapter wrote in his nomination letter. "Crawford established the FFA Children’s Barnyard at the Minnesota State Fair. Now known as the Miracle of Birth Center, it has grown into one of the main attractions."He received the Honorary American Farmer Degree in 1960, for his efforts in beginning the Minnesota FFA Children’s Barnyard – the first state to sponsor an FFA Children’s Barnyard. In 1978, another milestone was marked during the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" as the Mountain Lake Chapter was the recipient of the Premier Exhibitor award for the 22nd time in 28 years."Jim is largely responsible for the success of hundreds of former students, wrote Dean Harder, Mountain Lake. "When Jim retired from Mountain Lake High School Agriculture department in 1983, hundreds of calls and letters were received thanking Mr. C for his tremendous leadership and advice."Crawford was named Minnesota Agriculture Teacher of the Year in 1971.Lee Sandager"Lee taught agriculture from 1948 (Climax) until 1980 (Forest Lake). He began in Forest Lake in 1950 and was responsible for many, many innovative changes from new semester courses to FFA program initiatives," wrote Robert Marzolf, Stacy, in his letter of recommendation about Sandager.After teaching, Sandager traveled extensively throughout the world to over 100 countries to observe and evaluate agricultural production and land use, specifically to the developing nations of Africa and Asia. He worked in 24 countries of the world, conducting investigative studies.He was named Minnesota’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 1976 and Minnesota’s Outstanding 4-H Club member in 1946. He is the recipient of the Honorary State Farmer and Honorary American Farmer Degree for achievements in agricultural education. He directed an FFA Chapter that earned 20 national awards, plus more than 100 state and national individual honors. He wrote or contributed to many FFA and agricultural publications. Sandager now resides in Marine On Saint Croix.