Courtney Heiser

Each year, Ohio Farm Bureau employs 20 to 25 individuals as State Fair Ambassadors at the Land and Living Exhibit, located in the Nationwide Donahey Ag & Hort Building. These individuals are from across the state and come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Through this spotlight series, I hope to shine a light on some of our best and brightest that are beginning their journey as a young professional in agriculture. ~ Haley

Name: Courtney Heiser

Hometown: Attica, Ohio

High School / College: Seneca East / Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute

Major: Ag communications

Favorite Commodity: Wheat

Favorite Fair Food: Fresh-squeezed lemonade

What interested you about becoming an ambassador?: There are many reasons I was interested in becoming an ambassador! I love meeting new people that share my passion for agriculture, and I also enjoy “Ag”vocating for the industry that allows us to survive!

What is your background in agriculture?: I was born into a farming family that raises corn, soybeans and wheat. I was also actively involved in FFA for the past four years, where I participated in many CDEs, and even served as chapter president.

Why is it important engage with the public about agriculture?: Many people tend to overlook the importance of this industry that allows us to survive: agriculture. Wear clothes? Agriculture. Eat food? Agriculture. Live in a house? Agriculture! Everyone should be literate about the ag industry!

How does being an ambassador impact your future goals?: In my future career, I would like to work with marketing/ public relations at an agricultural cooperative or company. I believe serving as an Ohio Farm Bureau Ambassador will provide me with a great experience that will kick-start my career in ag communications.

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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