Phil Cobb of Helena 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.

Cobb is location manager for Redline Equipment at its Bowling Green location. A Sandusky County Farm Bureau member, he raises corn and soybeans and supports the county FFA, livestock auction and county fairs.

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.

A high-resolution photo of Mr. Cobb is available to accompany this story.