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.

Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
Mandy Way's avatar
Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
Ernie Welch's avatar
Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
Jaclyn De Candio's avatar
Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
Jenna Gregorich's avatar
Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
Jared Hughes's avatar
Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
Austin Heil's avatar
Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
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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