Applications open for 2025 ExploreAg STEM camps
The ExploreAg program is free to all high school students. The deadline to apply is April 30 at exploreag.org.
Read More
Farm life can be demanding and stressful, and the mental health challenges that come with it is an ongoing problem. Ohio Farm Bureau has been a part of many initiatives to raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma surrounding the issue in rural communities. Yvonne Lesicko, former Ohio Farm Bureau vice president of public policy who died unexpectedly in June 2020, was one of the leaders who helped to create the state’s “Got Your Back” farm stress coalition.
The Yvonne Lesicko Memorial Fund was created last year to recognize her life and career. The fund, within the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, was established to support the causes and initiatives that she cared so deeply about, including farmer mental health. To date, due to the generosity of more than 300 donors, the fund has raised more than $80,000.
The Yvonne Lesicko Perseverance Prize, the “Y Prize” for short, is a new award created by the fund. This award will be used to recognize groups or individuals working to find innovative solutions to farmer mental health issues, including addressing issues of access to resources, lessening of stigma around mental health issues and collaborating among health care, rural medicine and agriculture groups.
“We hope the Y Prize can provide recognition and a ‘thank you’ to groups and individuals working to advance this cause,” said Kelly Burns, executive director of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation.
Winner recognition
The Y Prize award winner, and the program or work he or she represents, will be given a platform to share their work and efforts. As part of the award, Ohio Farm Bureau will feature the award winner in membership and outside media, and the Young Ag Professionals Winter Leadership Experience will feature the award as part of the conference program. All of this is part of the award’s goal of lessening the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Nominations
Check back for 2022 nomination information.
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Featured Articles
Clermont County Farm Bureau kicks off Sustainable Agriculture Internship Program
A new internship program, supported by the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, connects local students with hands-on agricultural experiences, workforce readiness training, and mentorship from area industry professionals.
Read More
Welding scholarship born to fill a need in the trade
The award is for students who are pursuing a certification, accreditation or a degree related to welding. Apply by March 31.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Awards Youth Pathways Grant to Buckeye Local School District
Buckeye Local is pioneering a new standard in rural education innovation, merging physical infrastructure with curricular advancements to deepen students’ interest in agriculture and its extensive career options.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation appoints new leadership
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation recently added four new board members and elected officers of its 14-member board, which oversees the charitable, nonprofit organization.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation awards 2025 Workforce Development & Ag Literacy Grants
Grants support ag-related programming that enhances agricultural literacy efforts while creating pathways for young people to learn about ag careers.
Read More
New foundation president excited to see progress of young leaders
Nathan Brown of Highland County is the new Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation board president.
Read More
Apply now for 2025 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation scholarships
Through 15 scholarship funds, nearly 50 awards will be made to deserving students. The deadline to apply online is March 31, 2025.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation awards inaugural Growing Tomorrow Grants
The grants help inspire, encourage and nurture young agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs to find creative and transformative ways to address challenges facing the agricultural sector today.
Read More
Bob Evans Farms plants seeds of opportunity with gift to the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation
Bob Evans Farms has been a passionate supporter of Ohio Farm Bureau’s ExploreAg program since it began in 2018.
Read More