By Craig Pohlman, AgriPOWER Class IX participant

Farm Bureau has afforded me the opportunity to visit my leaders in D.C. several times as president of my county Farm Bureau. In September I got to go on one of their other trips. The AgriPOWER leadership class that I am in joined Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Ag Professionals in a 3-day whirlwind tour of our capital and most importantly, some lobbying for our industry.

Advocating 101, monument and memorial tours, embassy visits and issues briefings from American Farm Bureau — we certainly had as much packed into our days as they could find the minutes for. Armed with everything that we learned, each of us got the opportunity to visit with our congressman or one of his aides.

Speaking of these aides, did you know that the world is kept organized and on time by a whole bunch of 20 somethings working their tails off to serve our country and their congressman and senators? I always find it fun to chat with these men and women when possible because they are constantly getting phone calls or visitors into the office.

Whether or not you agree with everything your representative in Columbus or Ohio is up to, I highly encourage you to get involved, get in contact with them and let them know how you feel. All I ask… remember that they are people too, and we all deserve a little respect even in disagreement. And if it is one of these fine young aides that you get to talk to, trust me they care, and they get a lot of anger. Try the respectful approach with discussion; they enjoy talking to other people about issues — especially when they are treated like people too!

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
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
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