When I walked into the first AgriPOWER session back in July, I walked in as someone who was—beyond grain merchandising, grading, and purchasing—an agricultural neophyte. When I walk out of the final session in March, I will walk out as someone who has a greater understanding of agricultural issues, someone who is confident in discussing and advocating for these issues, and as someone with 23 more friends.

AgriPOWER provided me with an opportunity to expand my knowledge of the sector. From the many forms of agriculture, to the different farms and producers we talked to, I gained a greater understanding of how everything is pieced together. I was able to discuss these issues with federal, state, and local legislators, and I saw how an organization like Farm Bureau has grown to be one of the most effective advocacy organizations in the nation. While at times we may feel like we’re unable to make a difference, the Ohio Farm Bureau, along with the AgriPOWER Institute, has given me an avenue to be heard.

Beyond the formalities of AgriPOWER, some of my most important and meaningful experiences happened during dinners and other social activities. I was able to connect to people from all walks of agriculture. Bankers, farmers, foundation leaders, lawyers and others were included in our group, and hearing their personal stories helped me to connect to agriculture in a personal way. One way or another, we’re all tied together. Through family births and losses, personal successes and tragedies, we discovered that networking isn’t just necessary for professional growth; it’s also necessary for personal growth.

I’ve enjoyed experiencing AgriPOWER with this group, and I’m excited to have a new group of friends throughout the state from this experience.

Giving farmers a voice
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
Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
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
Bringing the farm back to life
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
Finding farm labor
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
CAUV: Past, present and future
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
Farm Bureau involvement
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
Select Partner Program
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
Advocacy
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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