AgriPOWER Class IX graduation

Twenty-three agricultural leaders and advocates from around Ohio recently graduated from Ohio Farm Bureau’s AgriPOWER Institute Class IX. Started in 2008, AgriPOWER was created to help farmers and agricultural professionals gain influence over public policy issues that impact their businesses and communities.

Class IX graduates are John Arnold, Jr. of Springboro; JD Bethel of Mechanicsburg; Steve Brunner of Stockdale; Jess Campbell of Waynesville; Philip Cobb of Helena; Kristen Dickey of Napoleon; Casey Ellington of Louisville; Candace Lease of Apple Creek; Melinda Lee of Tipp City; Megan Lezzer of Wooster; Kirsten Marihugh of Columbus; Brenda Mescher of Maria Stein; Jackie Mosier of Haviland; Marissa Mulligan of Groveport; Jonah Neill of Waterford; Brittany Nemeth of Wellington; Brian Palmer of Dresden; Craig Pohlman of Venedocia; Eric Reed of Dresden; Stephanie Rucinski of Columbus; Stacey Sark of Orient, Terri Specht of Johnstown and Micaela Wright of Arcanum.

During the yearlong leadership training program, AgriPOWER participants developed key skills to help them become better leaders and advocates for the agricultural industry, including spokesperson and media training, etiquette training, social networking and communications. Two of the sessions took place in Washington, D.C. and Florida.

In addition to Ohio Farm Bureau, AgriPOWER partners include Bayer Crop Science, Champaign Premium Grain Growers, Farm Credit Mid-America, Heritage Cooperative, Mid-Ohio Development Exchange, Nationwide Insurance, Ohio Beef Council, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, Ohio Pork Council, Pickaway Progress Partnership, Redline Equipment, Rider Landing, Ron Spencer Real Estate, Stark County Cattlemen’s Association, Southern Ohio Agricultural & Community Development Foundation, Wyatt Insurance and Farm Bureaus in Franklin, Mercer, Muskingum, Pickaway, Stark and Warren counties.

Applications are now being accepted for AgriPOWER Class X. Deadline to apply is April 20. To apply and learn more about Ohio Farm Bureau’s elite training program, visit ofbf.org/agripower.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Joe Cornely, 614-246-8230.

 

My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

New and beginning farmers
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
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
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
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
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
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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