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OFBF’s Young Farmers learned the ins and outs of Ohio Farm Bureau during the annual two-day summer Young Farmer Conference at Deer Creek State Park Resort.

President Terry McClure, Vice President Bob Peterson and Executive Vice President Jack Fisher addressed the group. They also heard from leaders of Southwest Landmark and Land O Lakes cooperatives.

McClure talked to the Young Farmers about the opportunities farmers have to stay in agriculture. He told the group to take initiative and to use creativity when looking for means to stay involved in agriculture. He also urged the young farmers to encourage other young people to follow in their footsteps.

Policy development was the focus of Peterson’s address. He talked about the lobbying efforts of OFBF. He stressed the important role advisory councils play in policy development.

Fisher gave the group an overview of state and county Farm Bureau structure. He also talked about how state staff and members work together to accomplish goals.

Gary Weness and Ronnie Mohr of Land O Lakes and Gordon Wallace and John Waymire of Southwest Landmark spoke to the group about the importance of the partnership between the local farmers and cooperatives.

Participants took part in a mock discussion meet. Ohio’s national discussion meet winner Dustin Sonnenberg shared his experiences and gave advice about participating in discussion meets.

Friday night was capped off with a volleyball and pool party with a Jamican Jamboree theme.

On Saturday, the Young Farmers took time out to share ideas on how to get other Young Farmers involved.

"The conference was a good way for Young Farmers to get introduced to Farm Bureau," said Darrel Rubel, OFBF director of young leader programs. "But most importantly, it was a way for young people to get to know and learn about one another and other areas of agriculture."

Caption: (L) To prepare for future meets, the Young Farmers take part in a mock discussion meet.

Caption: (R) OFBF Young Farmers learn the importance of advisory councils during their recent conference at Deer Creek State Park.