Nick Kennedy is organization director for Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage and Stark counties. In this role, he is a liaison between the county Farm Bureaus and Ohio Farm Bureau. He assists county groups as they develop and implement programs to strengthen their organizations, serve members and affect positive change in their communities.

Kennedy graduated from the Ohio State University with bachelor of science degree.

What is something you can point to that has been accomplished thanks to the joint efforts of farmers and community members in your area?

We have been working with our farmers and community members in eastern Stark County over the last year with a proposed park trail through many farms. We have helped facilitate a meeting with landowners to make them aware of their rights as it pertains to this trail. A group of concerned citizens was formed and with Farm Bureau’s support, we have helped this group get noticed. Actions have started to take place that have allowed this group to have a voice in the community and they have revived a citizen’s advisory committee. This committee is the citizen’s direct contact with the regional planning board. These citizens have been able to have more open dialogue about the park trail issues but also they now have a chance to weigh in on other community projects. This has been a huge win for the community as they now have an avenue they can pursue to help get their opinions heard.

What is your favorite Farm Bureau member benefit?
Member Savings Advantage

Tell us about one big project one of your counties has planned or has recently conducted

Columbiana County Farm Bureau held a breakfast on the farm event last year that had 1,500 participants attend. They helped to plan a tour of Baker’s Golden Dairy and provide a locally sourced breakfast. They had 100 volunteers help plan, implement and execute a great event. Many of the participants asked us how many years we had done such an event as they thought it was very well planned. I was proud of the group to take on a new activity and step outside their comfort zone. It was one of my favorite events of the year.

Farm Bureau connections
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.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
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
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
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
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
Suggested Tags: