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Melanie Strait-Bok of Ney is one of eight farmers and agribusiness professionals selected to participate in Ohio Farm Bureau’s 2021-2022 AgriPOWER Institute. This yearlong program focuses on public policy issues confronting agriculture and the food industry such as consumer relations, regulations, energy, and trade policies. It helps individuals develop the skills necessary to become effective leaders and advocates for agriculture by learning from experts in these fields.

Strait-Bok is the regional vice president for ag lending in northwest Ohio for Farm Credit Mid-America. She is part owner of her family’s 5,000-acre grain farm and is a member of Defiance County Farm Bureau, Ohio Corn and Wheat, and Ohio Soybean Association.

“Participants in this program have a passion for agriculture and see themselves in a leadership role in the future,” said Melinda Witten, AgriPOWER director. “Getting a better understanding of current issues and developing skills to lead and advocate for agriculture is what AgriPOWER is all about, and we have a lot of great experiences planned for Class XII.”

One of the sessions will take place in Washington, D.C. to give participants a better understanding of national and global issues, and an out-of-state session will help them learn about the differences and similarities in agriculture outside of Ohio.

Partnering with Ohio Farm Bureau on AgriPOWER Class XII are Farm Credit Mid-America, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, Ohio Corn and Wheat, Ohio Pork Council, Ohio Soybean Council, Stark County Farm Bureau, Deerfield Ag Services and Trans Ova Genetics.

For additional information about AgriPOWER, visit ofb.ag/agripower.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or [email protected].

Editors: A high-resolution photo of Ms. Strait-Bok is available for download.