ohio farm bureau federation

Agriculture has many faces, just like young professionals.

Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals are 18 to 35, singles and married, who are interested in improving the business of agriculture, learning new ideas and developing leadership skills.

Farmers take on the role of chemist, veterinarian, human resources director, marketing expert, mechanic, and much more. All of these are professional skills for a professional industry.

Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals are full- and part-time farmers, OSU Extension agents, teachers, consumer educators, former Ohio Farm Bureau Youth members, FFA and 4-H alumni, farm media communicators, livestock and equine enthusiasts, wine makers, alpaca breeders, seed representatives, beekeepers, green industry employees, gardeners, foodies and more.

Whether you have a half-acre or 5,000 acres, Ohio Farm Bureau has a place for you.

Experiences and Opportunities

Young Agricultural Professionals county leaders, with the assistance of the OFBF and county staff, help to plan and organize local events that reach out to young professionals and the community. Additionally, members from each of the four state regions are selected by the OFBF board of trustees to serve on the Young Agricultural Professionals Advisory Team. Members of this team serve a two-year term and are involved in planning programs and events that involve young professionals and provide involvement opportunities.

Young Agricultural Professionals Advisory Team

Team members assist with creating edcuational and leadership development programs for Ohio Farm Bureau's Young Agriculcultural Professionals. A total of eight positions are on the team and a position may be filled by either a single individual or a married couple. Members serve a two-year term with four returning and four new positions each year. Meet this year's team.

Leadership Conference

This annual conference offers information, education, fun, and relaxation while allowing young farmers to meet other young farmers from across the state. The 2010 conference will be held March 12 and 13.

Summer Retreat

If you're new to Young Agricultural Professionals and want to network, the new Young Agricultural Professionals Summer Retreat program is a great opportunity for you to get to know Ohio Farm Bureau. This year's retreat will be held at the Columbus Zoo on July 10. You must register to attend. For more details, click here.

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience

Young professionals with strong leadership potential are hand-selected each year to share their ideas with members of congress and to learn about international agriculture and how to grow personally and professionally.

The September trip includes a visit with the young professionals' congressional representative, meeting with American Farm Bureau staff members for industry and issues updates, a behind-the-scenes look at how Wasthington really works, networking with other young professionals, exploring world view of agriculture during a visit to an embassy.

Outstanding Young Farmer

Ohio Farm Bureau is looking for the top young farmers in the state. This award is designed to recognize successful young farmers, age 35 or younger, for achievements in the business of farming and leadership in the agricultural community.

Three state finalists will be selected from county winners in 2010 and previous years to compete at the state level. The winner is announced at the Ohio Farm Bureau annual meeting.

Download Application

Excellence in Agriculture

If you work off the farm and are a leader in Farm Bureau and the community, then this contest is for you. This award is designed to recognize successful young agriculture professionals (singles or couples) who are actively contributing and growing through their involvement with Farm Bureau and agriculture. Three state finalists are selected from among county winners; the statewide winner is named during the Ohio Farm Bureau annual meeting.

Download Application

Discussion Meet

Do you have the ability to...

• Help others express ideas effectively?
• Be a persuasive speaker?
• Be a productive thinker?
• Exchange ideas and information to find solutions to challenges?
• Involve others in conversation

Then the Discussion Meet is for you. Discussion Meet is not a panel discussion or debate, but rather an exercise in cooperative problem solving, designed to give participants experience in leading a group discussion and in chairing a committee.

Semi-final rounds are typically held in the summer; finalists compete at the Ohio Farm Bureau annual meeting.

Download Application

Want to see what a Discussion Meet looks like?

Click here to see the 2010 American Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Final Four contest.

State winners in all three contests receive cash prizes and an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau convention to represent Ohio in the national competition.

For more information, contact your county Farm Bureau office.