Young Farmers in Washington DC

The Washington, D.C., Leadership Experience. You might wonder what that would have to do with agriculture. Let me explain a little bit about how it does.

It was a three-day trip to Washington, D.C., where 120 Ohio Farm Bureau county presidents or vice presidents, along with Young Agricultural Professionals and AgriPOWER participants were able to meet with congressional representatives, hear from US senators, get issue updates from American Farm Bureau and also network with peers. As my first time participating, this trip was an amazing experience, to be on Capitol Hill advocating for issues important to agriculture.

The key issues we discussed were broadband, climate change, stepped up basis (capital gains taxes) and farm labor issues. One thing that impressed me as a Farm Bureau member was someone saying, “Ohio Farm Bureau was leaving D.C. in March 2020, when the door was closed on Capitol Hill due to COVID-19, and we were there in late September to open it back up.”

We were supposedly the biggest group to be in D.C. since the closure. Something that was different with this trip was that the presidents were not alone. We were joined by the YAPs (Young Ag Professionals) and AgriPOWER class. It was a unique experience and also a great mentoring opportunity, as I was with three other county presidents and two YAPs.

Concerns were voiced, and we heard from speakers from various platforms including the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture as well as USDA. I often hear that “farming doesn’t pertain to me,” so I don’t need to be a Farm Bureau member. Farming pertains to all of us for reasons we may take for granted. If you are a member, I want to thank you and let you know that this is one of the ways your membership is working for you behind the scenes.

Our voice is heard by numbers, and having the opportunity to advocate for our farmers was awesome.

If you would like information about joining Farm Bureau or would like more information about AgriPOWER or Young Agricultural Professionals, feel free to contact the office at 440-426-2195.

OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.

 

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.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
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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