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For this edition of Growing our Generation, I wanted to offer a reminder of the excellent programming and opportunities available to Farm Bureau members ages 18-35. If you are looking for leadership development, we have it. If you want to talk about the success of your farm or business, you can. If you want to brush up or develop your public policy acumen, there is a trip coming up this fall.

Below, I have shared a little bit about each program and how to take part. As always, contact the county Farm Bureau office if you have questions. Ohio Farm Bureau is passionate about cultivating the future of farming. We would love for you to get involved!

Young Ag Professionals State Committee

Young Ag Professionals State Committee members assist with creating educational and leadership development programs for Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals. A total of eight positions are on the team, and a position may be filled by either a single individual or a married couple. Members serve a two-year term with four returning and four new positions each year. 

Applications for the 2023-2025 committee are being accepted through May 13, 2022.

Excellence in Agriculture Contest

The Excellence in Agriculture award application is now available. If you work primarily off the farm and are a leader in Farm Bureau and the community, then this contest is for you. This award is designed to recognize successful young agricultural professionals (singles or couples) who are actively contributing and growing through their involvement with Farm Bureau and agriculture, but do not have the majority of income subject to normal production risk. Applications are being accepted through May 13, 2022. To learn more about this award, be sure to register for the bi-weekly learning sessions.

Outstanding Young Farmer Contest

The Outstanding Young Farmer contest is also accepting applications for the 2022 award. The Outstanding Young Farmer contest is designed to recognize successful young farmers, age 35 or younger, for achievements in the business of farming and leadership in the agricultural community. Applicants should have a majority of their income subject to normal production risks as well as ownership (or part ownership) of the operation/business. Applications are available online and must be submitted by May 13, 2022. To learn more about this award, be sure to register for the bi-weekly learning sessions.

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience – Sept. 13-15, 2022

Young professionals with strong leadership potential are hand-selected each year to share their ideas with members of Congress, learn about international agriculture and how to grow personally and professionally. The trip takes place each September and includes a visit with the young professional’s congressional representative, meeting with American Farm Bureau staff members for industry and issues updates, a behind-the-scenes look at how Washington really works, networking with other young professionals, and exploring a world view of agriculture during a visit to an embassy. Contact your county Farm Bureau if you are interested in the annual trip.

Local YAP Grant Recipients 

Each year Farm Credit Mid-America supports local YAP programming efforts by providing 10, $500 grants to local YAP groups. The following event was selected to receive $500 for the 2022 award cycle.

Earth Day | Ag Day – April 22, 2022

Earth Day | Ag Day is an annual event that the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau organizes. The purpose of this event is to educate attendees about the environment, agriculture and sustainability in a fun, engaging way. This year, the collegiate Farm Bureau will add a “pop-up park” fair, more broadly called PARK(ing) Day across the United States, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 21. Members of the campus community will have the opportunity to reserve parking spaces on campus in which they can install “instant parks,” according to chapter adviser Corey Cockerill. Parks can include any non-permanent fixtures or features, such as lawn chairs, hammocks, yard games or concessions. Participants are encouraged to include interactive displays or activities that celebrate the outdoors or natural spaces. Prizes will be given for the top three most creative pop-up parks.