2023 Gun Raffle Drawing Results
All proceeds support programming and events that will expand and grow agriculture’s footprint in the county and encourage youth development in agriculture.
Read More
Yvonne Lesicko, Ohio Farm Bureau vice president of public policy, passed away June 18 from an unexpected medical issue.
Information regarding arrangements is now available. Calling hours will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, June 25 at Schoedinger Funeral Home, 6699 N. High St, Worthington, OH 43085. A private service for immediate family only will take place Friday, June 26 at 10 a.m. It will be streamed online. Visit the Schoedinger website where you can also read her obituary.
Below is a letter from Adam Sharp that is being emailed to members.
Remembering Yvonne Lesicko
Last Friday I shared the very sad news that Yvonne Lesicko, Ohio Farm Bureau vice president of public policy, passed away. I wanted to provide you with information about calling hours, funeral arrangements and a very special way to help us pay tribute.
Calling hours will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, June 25 at Schoedinger Funeral Home, 6699 N. High St, Worthington, OH 43085. A private service for immediate family only will take place Friday, June 26 at 10 a.m. It will be streamed online. Visit the Schoedinger website to learn more and read her obituary.
This loss to our Farm Bureau family has hit us hard. Yvonne’s impact on our organization is immense. As you know, Farm Bureau’s policy development process means our positions on issues start with members and their county Farm Bureaus, then on to Ohio Farm Bureau and finally American Farm Bureau. This means that the policy positions Yvonne worked to advance were the result of a very involved process that is perhaps the greatest aspect of our century-old organization. Her work literally helped tens of thousands of members, every day of the week.
But of course Yvonne did this work with a dedicated team of Farm Bureau staff colleagues, board members, county leaders and indeed members everywhere. This is where she shined the most as a professional: connecting with people, communicating about our work and inspiring us all to do better.
Memorial Fund
I’m very proud and pleased to share with you the Yvonne Lesicko Memorial Fund established by her family with the help of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation. This fund was established to support the causes and initiatives that she cared so deeply about, including but not limited to, farmer mental health, women in leadership, agricultural and environmental policy and youth scholarships.
I’ve heard from so many members and friends who wished to share their condolences with Yvonne’s family. You can email your condolences to [email protected] or mail them to the following address and we will be happy to pass them to the family.
Lesicko Family
c/o Ohio Farm Bureau
P.O. Box 182383
Columbus, OH 43218-2383
Thank you for helping us remember Yvonne,
Adam
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
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.
Featured Articles
At-risk youth gain exposure to ag opportunities
The Youth Pathways Grant for Careers in Agriculture is accepting applications through Oct. 31, 2023.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation awards Workforce Development & Ag Literacy Grants
A total of four grants were awarded to county Farm Bureaus in the amount of $5,000 each.
Read More
Foundation golf outing outdrives fundraising goal
The 2023 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Invitational raised over $100,000 for foundation work that helps enhance agricultural communities and support careers in agriculture.
Read More
Scholarship award recipients appreciate impact
Scholarship awards directly impact that purpose of the foundation: to inspire and educate the next generation of agriculture.
Read More
Seeking nominations: Y Prize award for farmer mental health solutions
The Yvonne Lesicko Perseverance Prize recognizes groups or individuals working to find innovative solutions to farmer mental health difficulties. Nominations are due July 31, 2023.
Read More
Tarrant named gift accounting specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation
Chrissy Tarrant of Westerville has been named gift accounting specialist for the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation awards nearly $60,000 in scholarships
Annually, the foundation recognizes Ohio students for their academic effort, community engagement and career interests.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation grant benefits local students
The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation’s Workforce Development and Ag Literacy Grant Program is helping to promote agriculture education and career development in the state of Ohio, specifically in Brown County.
Read More
Q&A with Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation President Jenny Cox
Cox explains how the foundation carrying out its mission subsequently impacts the future of agriculture.
Read More