Haley Davis of Bucyrus is one of 24 farmers and agribusiness professionals who recently graduated from Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s AgriPOWER Leadership Institute Class VIII. The intensive, yearlong training program helps participants become effective community leaders and advocates for agriculture. Participants traveled around Ohio as well as to Georgia and Washington, D.C., where they learned about local, state and federal public policy topics important to the agricultural and food industry.

Davis is an organization director for Crawford, Marion, Morrow, Richland and Wyandot county Farm Bureaus. She is involved with four Young Agricultural Professionals groups and volunteers with local 4-H groups.

Started in 2008, AgriPOWER is Ohio Farm Bureau’s elite leadership training program. Seven, two-to-three day training sessions were held throughout the year and included public policy advocacy, spokesperson and media training, etiquette training, social networking and communications.

“The intensive training that farmers and agribusiness professionals received will serve them well whether they’re speaking at a county commissioners meeting or with their member of Congress in Washington, D.C.,” said Melinda Witten, AgriPOWER director.

In addition to Ohio Farm Bureau, AgriPOWER partners include Nationwide Insurance, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, Heartland Bank, Champaign Premium Grain Growers, Ohio FFA Foundation, Farm Credit Mid-America, Wright & Moore Law Co. LPA, Agland Co-op, Ag Credit, Bob Evans, Southern Ohio Agricultural & Community Development Foundation and Farm Bureaus in Hancock, Licking, Lucas, Pickaway, Shelby, Stark, Summit, Union and Wyandot counties.

Applications for the next class, Class IX, are due April 14. Visit ofb.ag/agripower for the application and more information.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Joe Cornely, 614-246-8230.

Editors: A high resolution photo is available to accompany this story.

Farm Bureau connections
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

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Farm Bureau connections
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Matt Aultman

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Gretchan Francis

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Hannah Kiser

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Chad Ruhl

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Mary Smallsreed

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