For Immediate Release January 30, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio (OFBF) – Young people ages 18 to 35 who work in Ohio agriculture are invited to join Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) Young Agricultural Professionals for a weekend of personal and professional development during the group’s Leadership Conference March 6 to 7, 2009 in Dublin, Ohio.

The Young Agricultural Professionals group consists of full and part-time farmers, extension agents, teachers, consumer educators, media reporters, livestock and equine enthusiasts, beekeepers, green industry employees, gardeners, foodies and more.

Participants will enjoy a selection of quality workshops including Agriculture Mythbusters; Disaster Preparedness; Birds, Beans and Blooms; Marketing Yourself and Your Farm; What’s Next: Growing in Leadership; and Running effective meetings.

Featured speaker Chad Hymas will share his moving story about how a farm accident left his body paralyzed, but not his dreams. He is the president of his own company, author and world-class wheelchair athlete.

“We’re fortunate to have such a dynamic group of young agricultural professionals involved,” said Jeremy and Michelle Evans, co-chairs of the Young Agricultural Professionals Advisory Team. “Their enthusiasm and optimism for agriculture and family can be a real inspiration to farmers and consumers everywhere. It’s great to know that today’s generation is serious about their work in providing a safe and abundant food supply.”

Registration for the conference in $110 per person and includes hotel lodging and group meals. Participants must return registration forms to their county Farm Bureau office by Feb. 13, 2009.

For a detailed description of the workshops and events, visit the events section at www.ofbf.org or contact your county Farm Bureau office.

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CONTACT: Joe Cornely PHONE: (614) 246-8230 E-MAIL: [email protected]