The first session of AgriPOWER IX got off to a great start at the Ohio Farm Bureau offices in Columbus.  The session began with introductory presentations from each class member that detailed their connection to agriculture, and it was interesting to see all the different ways that people can be involved in our industry.  

We toured both the offices at Ohio Farm Bureau and the historical archives of the Nationwide Insurance Company. It was fascinating to learn the history of Nationwide Insurance and how it began business as the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. While in the archive “vault,” we were able to view the original ledger that detailed the first policy sold by the company. Ohio Farm Bureau and Nationwide still have a strong partnership with several Ohio Farm Bureau members serving on the board of directors for Nationwide Insurance.  

Prior to our meeting we all took the StrengthsFinder assessment to determine our top 5 talents. By focusing on your strengths, you can begin to accomplish much more than by spending lots of time trying to shore up your weaknesses. Because everyone has different strengths, it was interesting to discuss each other’s results and figure out ways to work more collaboratively with those individuals.

There are 6 more sessions left in Agripower IX and I am looking forward to learning about different ways I can promote agriculture.  Our next meeting is in Findlay where we will tour an ethanol production facility, as well as the Blanchard River Demonstration Farm Network.  

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
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
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
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
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
Suggested Tags: