Wiseman named Ohio Farm Bureau organization director
Brooke Wiseman of New Lexington will serve members in Guernsey, Morgan, Muskingum and Perry counties.
Read More
Jerri Furniss of Westerville 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.
Furniss is a full-time realtor in Westerville and has a grain farm in Pickaway County. She is a member of the Franklin County Farm Bureau, American Association of University Women, Columbus Realtors and Ohio Association of Realtors.
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.
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
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.
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Featured Articles
Farmer mental health: Overcoming the stigma and offering support
Overcoming this stigma falls upon the shoulders of family, friends, loved ones and the broader community—and it begins with open and honest communication.
Read More
Legal with Leah: Corporate Transparency Act January Update
After a lot of conflicting information, the Corporate Transparency Act is on hold and there are no deadlines.
Read More
Apply now for 2025 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation scholarships
Through 15 scholarship funds, nearly 50 awards will be made to deserving students. The deadline to apply online is March 31, 2025.
Read More
Farm Bureau applauds Congress for full passage of Continuing Resolution
The bill includes short-term spending, disaster aid and a farm bill extension.
Read More
$10 million in disaster assistance coming to Ohio farmers
The disaster relief funding disbursement will be overseen by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and administered through local soil & water districts.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau honors members with Advocacy in Action Awards
The winners of the 2024 Ohio Farm Bureau Advocacy in Action Award are Roger Baker of Wayne County and Neall Weber (posthumously) of Franklin County.
Read More
Legal with Leah: Corporate Transparency Act filing requirements
The requirement for businesses that are registered with their state to file information about beneficial owners with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is in flux.
Read More
Safe energy conservation could help Ohio avoid electricity shortages this winter
Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives recommend safe energy conservation during extreme cold snaps to help alleviate demand.
Read More
Farm Bureau shapes policy for 2025 at annual meeting
Delegates discussed many important topics including carbon sequestration and mental health at the Ohio Farm Bureau’s 106th Annual Meeting.
Read More