Marissa Mulligan

My name is Marissa Mulligan, and I am the new Policy Outreach Fellow for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. I am excited to begin my work researching policies that affect the members of Farm Bureau around the state of Ohio.

The fellowship program, now in its second year, is an exciting initiative for Farm Bureau. It provides pathways to leadership for young agricultural professionals like myself, and works toward the organization’s mission of working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. The yearlong program is research-intensive, but also features educational opportunities to help participants grow their skill set as professionals in the field of food production and agriculture.

I grew up in Philadelphia, but currently reside in Franklin County. Raised in a city, my connection to agriculture was minimal. However, agriculture became a part of my life when I started in the Ohio State University Animal Sciences Department. The classes I attended in the department gave the hands-on experience I needed for my interest to flourish. My passion for farming and advocacy truly came to fruition when I started my internship at Harrison Farm in Canal Winchester. This small sheep and goat farm gave me the opportunity to do exactly what I love and grow as a young professional in agriculture.

This past year I participated in AgriPOWER, a leadership program through the Ohio Farm Bureau. I was so blessed to receive that opportunity to develop as an individual and a leader. Throughout the program, I began to comprehend how a grassroots organization can make an impact on the legislative process. I hope the research I conduct in this position can aid the OFBF public policy department to support food and farm communities around the state. I am eager to explore opportunities that bridge the gap between producers and consumers.

Ohio Farm Bureau membership

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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