The Ohio Youth Capital Challenge program provides teens a hands-on experience that encourages citizenship and community service. The annual program is a collaboration among Ohio FFA, Ohio State University Extension and Ohio Farm Bureau to support members of Ohio’s 4-H and FFA programs. Up to 40 youth will be selected.

The program provides civic education including how public policy is made and how individuals and groups can impact it. Participants will create a network of contacts from throughout the state and build their personal resumés.

Participants will travel to Columbus March 26 – 27 to learn about government processes and interact with state legislators. They will be trained in engaging with lawmakers and in building teams. Independent team work follows, then a second event will take place May 19 where teams will present their ideas for community improvement projects. Finalists will be chosen to compete at the 2018 Ohio State Fair on July 27.

Applicants must be in at least the ninth grade and be between the ages of 14 and 18 during the current school year. Selected students will pay a fee of $30. Delegates must be nominated by Dec. 1, 2017 and applications must be submitted by Jan. 12, 2018.

More information and required forms are at http://ohioffa.org/ohio-youth-capital-challenge/.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Joe Cornely, 614-519-8761.

Farm Labor Resources
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
Strong communities
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
Leadership development
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
Young Ag Professionals program
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
Growing our Generation
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
Groovy Plants Ranch
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
Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
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
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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