AgriPOWER Class VIII is about to wrap up with our final session; during the past seven sessions our group of 24 has had the privilege of growing together as a group and as individuals. As an agriculture professional, I have the opportunity to be included in numerous professional development training activities, but this experience has been one of the most rewarding programs I have participated in.

During our sessions we focused on becoming better employees and learning more about ourselves. I recognize that I have strengths and weakness, and rather than working on my weakness I will build on my strengths. Every session touched on some aspect of agriculture outreach; how can I tell my story so that the public has a chance to understand the agriculture community better?

AgriPOWER has been a commitment of time and energy. The sessions are packed with speakers and information. There is homework; sometimes before and after class, and in order to get the most out of the class and sessions, it is important to actively participate within the session and in the outside requirements. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with a group of people that did give it their all in the class.

During this program, we had the opportunity to travel within different areas in Ohio, Washington, D.C. and Georgia. We learned about local, state and national government and policy. We were given numerous chances to put into action things that we learned and trained for during our class sessions.

My greatest take away was the charge to become better within our own circle; whether that means to become a better volunteer, lead a new outreach effort or take on new responsibilities within our career. It is important to grow and focus on our strengths and I am thankful for the opportunity to take this class and spring into action.

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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