Mercer County Spotlight Member Lisa Kahlig says when she thinks of agriculture, “I love the family roots it has, to me the words farming and family are tied hand and hand.”

Lisa grew up on a small grain farm in Maria Stein, Ohio. Now, she and husband, Doug, live on his family’s farm near Coldwater, with their daughter, Hannah. They work with Doug’s family to raise grain, cattle and pigs. She continues working in agriculture off the farm as well, as a swine service representative for Coopers.

Lisa currently serves on the county board as the secretary, and as the membership and communications chair. She got her start with the Mercer County Farm Bureau, while working at a previous job. In that position she worked on various events with the counties’ Organization Director, Jill Smith. From that partnership, she became more involved as a individual.

Lisa discussed some of the challenges our organization faces, along with the agriculture industry:

Why is being a Farm Bureau member important?

Lisa: I believe that it is important to be involved in Farm Bureau because we are the only group going into the political arena with the best interest of the farmer as their sole priority.

What is the biggest priority for you as a part of your county board?

Lisa: I feel like we need to bring on new and emerging young farmers. The opportunities provided through Farm Bureau for those starting out in agriculture through our organization are many and I feel that by getting more involved, young farmers need to learn it is okay to invite people to their farm and tell their story along with getting involved in the political aspects of farming.

What is the biggest challenge agriculture is facing right now?

Lisa: Our biggest obstacle is “consumer ignorance.” Today there is a disconnect between the consumer and the farm and that disconnect has caused the consumer to turn to inaccurate marketing campaigns as their source of education on where/how their food comes from.

Additionally, I have found that being a woman in agriculture is a challenge as well. You just have to learn to roll with the punches and stick your ground. It takes a little longer to earn the respect, but ultimately I’ve found if you prove yourself with what you know, the respect will follow.

Why do you enjoy farming?

Lisa: To me there is no better place to raise a family than on a farm. I love the family roots it has, the words farming and family are tied hand in hand. I love the sense of accomplishment in planting a crop, watching it grow, praying for the rain to stop, praying for it to finally rain, harvesting it and knowing that you are making a contribution to the world.

Thank you Lisa for your dedication and we are excited to have you involved!

 

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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