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The 2004 Young Farmer Leadership Conference will be held March 12 and 13 at the Marriott Northwest hotel in Dublin. The conference begins at 4 p.m. Friday and adjourns at 6 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $100 per person, which includes hotel and meal costs. The conference is open to Farm Bureau members ages 18 to 35, whether singles or couples. According to OFBF Director of Membership Activities Mike Fearon, the OFBF Young Farmer committee has planned workshops and invited speakers who offer messages tailored to young farmer interests.

"The conference allows young farmers to meet others across the state. We want the conference to be educational, but we also want to create an atmosphere that invites interaction and makes everyone feel comfortable," he said.

Trends in the Weather – Ben Gelber, meteorologist for NBC channel 4 in Columbus, will share information on weather trends and why and when they occur.

Safety First – Learn what to do to save a life if an accident occurs on the farm.

International Agriculture – Learn and discuss international agriculture practices.

Quick Meals on the Go – Join a team of food experts for hints on preparing quick meals, snacks and desserts.

Successful Farming with Your Money – Tips for getting started in farming, making investments and marketing.

How Washington Works – Tyson Redpath will lead an interactive session on how your elected officials represent you; he also will discuss current agricultural issues. Redpath is an aide for Rep. John Boehner.

Keynote speaker – Jep Hostetler – A magician and humorist, Hostetler is an associate professor emeritus of preventive medicine and psychiatry. His topic will be "The Joy Factor."

Deadline for registration is Feb. 13. For more information, contact your county Farm Bureau office or e-mail mfearon@ofbf.org Final registration packets and conference confirmation will be mailed after Feb. 13.

Dean and Margie Schiller, Ottawa County, are chairmen of the 2004 State Young Farmer Committee, and Chad and Melanie Wilt, Clark County, are co-chairmen. Other members are Tim and Angie Brumme, Holmes County; Joy McCarren, Logan County; Matt Mole, Lorain County; Kevin and Marcia Murphy, Noble County; Lane and Bambi Osswald, Preble County; Doug and Leslie Rhoades, Darke County; and Bill and Jennifer Wentling, Stark County.

The State Young Farmer Committee is responsible for planning the winter Leadership Conference, Summer Conference, Discussion Meet and other statewide young farmer activities. The committee provides OFBF with direction and input on the desires of young farmer needs and programs.