In July 2016, I was extremely excited to hear that I had been accepted into the AgriPOWER program. This began a journey, like no other I had ever experienced. Session one got under way with orientation which consisted of getting to know the other participants and learning about the make-up of the Farm Bureau organization. Additionally, we learned about our personal strength styles and emotional intelligence. By the end of the first session, I had bonded with some new friends and realized I had just embarked on a remarkable journey.

All subsequent sessions were just as good as the first. We learned about the issues facing American producers and consumers. Some of the issues I was aware of, but others were new to me. We received social media training to enhance our knowledge on advocacy. I was able to utilize these skills and advocate agricultural issues by having an opportunity to be interviewed by a local newspaper reporter.

Throughout the program, we visited many different types of agricultural enterprises in Ohio. A few of my favorites include the following: a Christmas tree farm, a 4,800 head hog farm, a greenhouse tomato farm, a pheasant farm, Bittersweet Farms CSA, and an organic beef operation. Each time we visited an enterprise, my appreciation for the work that goes into such operations grew.

In addition to farm visits, we had an opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. and meet with our local congressional representatives. In addition, we received a special unexpected visit by American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. This was a new experience for me. Thanks to the issues training, I was able to confidently speak with my representative about various issues affecting agriculture.

There was also an agricultural tour in Georgia where we learned about the production of onions, peanuts, cotton, peaches and timber. All of these operations were very diverse, yet they all shared a love for agriculture. A highlight of this trip was having the chance to tour the Georgia Ports Authority. The Ports Authority was very impressive, with at least 40,000 containers maintained on 1,200 acre site. It is overwhelming to think that all products going from or coming into the United States are tracked and use a port, such as the one we visited.

When I reflect on my AgriPOWER experience, I realize how much I have learned and am greatful for the new friends I made. This has been one of the greatest leadership events I have ever experienced. Not only will I continue to advocate for agriculture but will encourage others to apply for the AgriPOWER program.

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.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
We really appreciate what Farm Bureau has done to get people interested in this line of work and workforce development and getting people interested in this industry.
Jody Brown Boyd's avatar
Jody Brown Boyd

Brown's Family Farm Market

Finding farm labor
We work terrifically with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, hosting at least one to two outreach town hall events every year to educate new farmers and existing farmers on traditional CAUV and woodlands.
David Thomas's avatar
David Thomas

Ashtabula County Auditor

CAUV: Past, present and future
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.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
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.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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