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The OFBF Young Farmer Winter Conference combined a day of learning workshops with a night of fun March 9 and 10 at the Columbus Marriott Northwest Hotel in Dublin. Approximately 230 young farmers from across the state attended the event.

Members of the State Young Farmer Committee, led by Scott Isler, shared involvement opportunities and recognized audience members who had participated in Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture and Outstanding Young Farmer events. Lane Osswald, who is currently serving a two-year term on the AFBF Young Farmer and Rancher Committee with his wife Bambi, encouraged the young farmers to get involved and take advantage of the many opportunities available through Farm Bureau. He also spoke of the great friends he has made in Ohio and across the country.

Saturday workshops included "Animal ID and Its Affect On Ohio Livestock Producers," "Building a Human Resource Plan on Your Farm," Improving Neighbor Relations on the Farm," "Quick Meals for Busy People," "Safety First" and "Unleash the Power" which addressed member advocacy and involvement. In "Safety First," John Nichols and Don Schleich, with the Washington Township Fire Department, reminded attendees that the number one thing to worry about at an accident scene is safety. "Before you go in, make sure it is safe for you," Nichols said. He encouraged the young farmers, saying they need people like them to work on behalf of victims until EMS can arrive.

Caption: Chef Pierre Wolfe, Our Ohio chef, and Mike Pullins, OFBF director of outreach (not pictured), led the "Quick Meals for Busy People" workshop. Ryan and Nikki McClure, members of the State Young Farmer Committee, were Wolfe’s assistants, helping prepare Chicken Curry in a Pot; samples were available at the end of the workshop. The recipe can be found at OurOhio.org.