Applications for AgriPOWER Class X, a leadership and advocacy development program, are now available and due April 20, 2018. Twenty individuals will be selected to participate in AgriPOWER.

Topics covered during the seven multi-day institute programs will include public policy matters facing local communities, the state of Ohio, the nation and the world. Additionally, specific sessions will help class members develop important skills necessary to become effective leaders and advocates for agriculture.

Two of the institute sessions will be held out of state, one in Washington, D.C. and the other location will be decided at a later date, to help class members gain a valuable understanding of national and global issues. The sessions will encompass 17 total days. Download the program brochure for complete details about the AgriPOWER program.

You should apply for AgriPOWER Class X if:

  • You want to improve your understanding of current issues and develop the skills necessary to lead and become and advocate for agriculture.
  • You have a passion for agriculture and see yourself in a leadership role in the future.
  • You are interested in the political process and/or have thought about running for office.
  • You are open to new experiences and learning.
  • You can commit the time necessary to participate in the program.

2018-2019 SESSION OUTLINE

SESSION 1 | JULY 13-14
Columbus
Program orientation and getting to know Farm Bureau.
Personal strengths finder assessment, evolving leadership
development and public speaking training.

SESSION 2 | AUG. 9-11
Location TBA
Power and role of the media, spokesperson training,
changing nature of communications, social media, and
Ohio trade and export issues.

SESSION 3 | SEPT. 11-13
Washington, D.C.
Power of organizations, Farm Bureau’s process, national
and international issues, trade, demographics and federal
government basics.

SESSION 4 | NOV. 15-16
Columbus
Up-close look at state government, working with statewide
elected officials and politics and etiquette.

SESSION 5 | DEC 14-15
Location TBA
Local (township and county) government basics, local
economic development, energy issues and water quality.
Leading and understanding change, activists and advocacy,
divergent views, attacks on agriculture and food.

SESSION 6 | FEB. 21-23
Location TBD
Out of state agriculture tour. Explore current issues in
food, agriculture, and the environment in another state.
Gain a first-hand perspective of agricultural facilities, businesses
and Farm Bureau’s role in another state. Explore
ways for Farm Bureaus to work together.

SESSION 7 | MARCH 15-16
Columbus
Service opportunities to get engaged in agricultural organizations,
local organizations and Ohio Farm Bureau. Review business structures and transitions. AgriPOWER graduation

2018–2019 TUITION
The tuition is $4,500 per person, plus each individual
is responsible for a $400 participation deposit. Tuition
includes lodging, meals, breaks, group travel and all course
materials.

List of Class IX participants

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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