By Phil Cobb, AgriPOWER Class IX participant

In session 5 of AgriPOWER we spent time on some of the issues close to home.

Tia Moretti, director of Statewide Substance Use and Social Services, provided the group with great information regarding the opioid crisis here in Ohio. We learned about how the epidemic is widespread across all of Ohio’s socioeconomic environments. Tia provided a great open discussion on what the state of Ohio is doing to provide help to those affected and pending actions.

The session also had time for a few farms tours. These are always a great time to find more information about agriculture in Ohio. Miedema Dairy was a great tour. Miedema Dairy is a 25-year-old family owned and operated dairy farm in Pickaway County, with over 1,300 cows today. A real life American Dream story — buying a farm thousands miles from their home in Holland and starting with only 120 cows. They are also recipients of the Ohio Dairy Producers Environmental Stewardship Award; it great to see a young farm succeeding.

We were able to see from the new farm and then visit part of Ross County’s history. We visited Hirsch Fruit Farm that dates back to the 1890s. It is still owned and operated by the Hirsch family; they continue to strive to uphold their traditions of quality and value. Even in the cold temperatures of Ohio in January we were still able to taste their quality apples. It is definitely worth stopping in and stocking up with fruit at their farm shop on Route 772 in Chillicothe. Many of the AgriPOWER member took full advantage of the this opportunity. Looking forward to the next session.

(Pictured is Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney talking about the county’s services that help those addicted to drugs.)

 

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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