By Brittany Nemeth, AgriPOWER Class IX participant

I’ve had the amazing opportunity to participate in Ohio Farm Bureau’s AgriPOWER program and entered the program last July with anticipation and curiosity. Never could I have imagined the experiences, industry insights and emotions that this program has brought to me.

My leadership skills were tested and refined as we broke down our strengths and pushed ourselves to be influencers within our communities. The process and channels through which we communicate was challenged and enriched. I’ve developed a strong curiosity for social media marketing as I grow my personal farming endeavor and brand.  

We’ve been able to travel throughout the state to gain a deeper understanding of Ohio agriculture as well as the opportunity to visit with our legislators in Washington D.C., to share our personal experiences with farming. Our out-of-state trip took us south in February, where I learned of the opportunities and struggles our farm friends in Florida encounter within their unique industries.

Throughout the past nine months, I’ve been immersed with a group of ag professionals with a common goal of supporting and growing Ohio agriculture. This is where the emotions really come to light. We started off as strangers, quickly became friends and then grew as a family as we made this journey together. I cannot recommend this program enough to emerging agriculture leaders. The skills, experiences and relationships cannot be replicated nor replaced. I look forward to utilizing the knowledge I’ve gained, continuing my involvement in Ohio Farm Bureau and will cherish the lifelong friendships I’ve made along the way.