Jim Johnstone, Bruce Bissett and the late Bill McNab were given the board's highest honour because of the role they played in forming and shaping the board over more than a decade.
Board projects manager Malcolm Deverson said the board was one of many rural self-help organisations around the country encouraged to write a strategic plan for the development of their district more than a decade ago.
"The Clutha organisation was the only one to survive through the dedication and persistence of its early founders like these three men," he said.
All three had made a quality contribution and it was pleasing to show the board's appreciation in such a public way, Mr Deverson said.
Mr McNab, who died just before Christmas, was involved in the board from its early days when it was formed from the massive Clutha strategic planning document that was crafted in the early 1990s.
His citation, presented to members of his family, said he was an active contributor to the board's directorate and executive for more than 10 years.
"Bill attended most of those early meetings and was always very supportive with down-to-earth comments and advice based on his wide experience in the South Otago community."
Mr Bissett was also involved in the planning days and was among a small group of farmers who saw the need to act in the early 1990s when farming was threatened from many sides.
He was later involved in ensuring a chief executive's position was formed so the organisation was no longer strictly a volunteer group.
He served on the board for more than 10 years.
"As the chief executive of a large, flourishing veterinary business, Bruce's leadership and business skills and links to the people of the farming sector enabled the board to develop programmes, discussions and projects that met the needs of members and others throughout the years that he was involved," his citation read.
Mr Johnstone, a chartered accountant, helped guide the board through some very difficult financial times.
Community groups, like the board, were mooted all around the country in the late 1980s and early 1990s to give strategic direction and support to agriculture.
