AgriPOWER Class XIII

Nine farmers and agribusiness professionals have been selected to participate in Ohio Farm Bureau’s 2022-2023 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.

Class XIII members are Heidi Breyley of Wellington, Amanda Bush of Edison, Renee Hamilton of Mechanicsburg, Stefanie Richardson of Medina, Katherine Share of Columbus, Adam Shawhan of South Charleston, Emily Buehler of Columbus, Kayla Weaver of Upper Sandusky and Kris Weiser of Gambier.

“AgriPOWER XIII will provide these future leaders the opportunity to learn about the diversity of issues facing Ohio agriculture while learning how to be effective advocates for the industry,” said Melinda Witten, AgriPOWER director. “We are excited for these members to experience the AgriPOWER program as part of their leadership journey.”

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 XIII are Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, Ohio Soybean Council, Farm Credit Mid-America, Select Sires, Freedom Freight and Crossroads Crop Insurance.

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: An AgriPOWER Class XIII photo is available for download.

Caption: AgriPOWER Class XIII members pictured are (front row l to r): Emily Buehler, Renee Hamilton, Heidi Breyley and Katherine Share. (Back row, l to r): Adam Shawhan, Stefanie Richardson, Kayla Weaver and Kris Weisner. Not pictured: Amanda Bush

Growing our Generation
Having opportunities to attend leadership institutes, advocate for rural Ohioans on the state and national level, facilitate young ag professionals events, and serve in a variety of leadership positions have helped my skills grow exponentially.
Sara Tallmadge's avatar
Sara Tallmadge

Ashland County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Business Solutions
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.
Mandy Way's avatar
Mandy Way

Way Farms

Business Solutions
Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
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.
Austin Heil's avatar
Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
Farming for Good
I was gifted the great opportunity through an Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Youth Pathways grant to run a series of summer camps here. That really expanded my vision of what ‘grow, maintain, sustain and explain’ could actually be.
Jim Bruner's avatar
Jim Bruner

Mezzacello Urban Farms

Farming for Good
Leadership development
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.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Advocacy
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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