The Paulding County Farm Bureau wants to encourage members to get familiar with their board and members, so we are going to kick off some blogs by introducing one of our board members. Douglas Goyings is a Paulding County board trustee and we asked him a few questions about agriculture and Farm Bureau to help our members get to know him a little better.

Q. What does agriculture mean to you?

A. It’s not only a way of life, but a business that always can be a challenge. No two days run perfect as in a movie. Every day seems like a new challenge or some days heart break when nothing goes right.

Q. What influenced your career in agriculture?

A. My father and grandfathers were farmers. I always enjoyed farm work, including baling straw. We are always working on something new. One of our sayings is don’t tell me I can’t do something; we will find a way to get it done.

Q. What is your favorite part about being involved in Farm Bureau?
A. Being able to talk to legislator about agricultural issues. We also get to talk with neighbors and farmers from all over the state.  We all farm a little different but have a lot in common.
Q. What is your fondest memory from the Farm Bureau?
A. Being able to grow. I was a quiet country boy. I made some contacts through Farm Bureau. That first landed me on the small grains check off board and now I am vice chairman of US Wheat Associates. Next year I will be chairman of the board. I have had the privilege to travel all over the US and some world travels.  Meeting hundreds of other farmers sharing our message about agriculture both here at home and around the world.

Q. What advice would you give to the next generation of agriculturalists?

A. Don’t be afraid to try something new,  it could open up a world of possibilities.
Thank you for all your hard work for Farm Bureau, Doug!
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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