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Friday, March 3, the agricultural community of Highland County, local business leaders and area youth filled the shop on Boeckmann farms. The Highland County Farm Bureau is a proud sponsor of this incredible Ag is Everyone’s Business event. The morning kicked off with an opportunity to speak with those gathered, network with multiple businesses and area agencies, and reconnect with old friends. The room was filled with handshakes, laughter and great conversations!  

Once everyone was seated, Highland County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jamie Wheeler welcomed everyone. The newly appointed Ohio Department of Agriculture Director, Brian Baldridge, (pictured above) shared his excitement in his new role and what lies ahead for his department.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s Senior Director of Communication and Media Relations, Ty Higgins, spoke next. Higgins had everyone laughing, then connected with each individual on a personal level as he candidly shared his childhood experiences from growing up on the family farm. In addition to sharing the struggles he personally experienced, Higgins’ story included his story of perseverance. He did an excellent job of encapsulating the value of an Ohio Farm Bureau membership, the progress of H2O Ohio and the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative (OACI).  Lastly, Higgins touched on the sensitive subject of mental health and specifically the awareness that Ohio Farm Bureau continues to bring to light surrounding this topic. 

In the last eight weeks alone, Ohio has lost four farmers to suicide. Higgins reminded everyone that they are not alone and there is help available. Visit gotyourbackohio.org or farmstateofmind.org to access local resources.  

Lastly, Amanda Radke shared her story as a fifth generation rancher from South Dakota.  She has spent years advocating for agriculture in rural America. She is an author dedicated to sharing the story of agriculture with our nation’s youth as well as celebrating the people behind our food, fiber, and energy who make it possible. She believes food security is national security, and her work is focused on keeping producers on the land and ensuring every citizen has access to safe, affordable and nutritious food in this country.

The morning concluded with a catered lunch served by local FFA chapters. A huge thank you to Highland County Chamber of Commerce for allowing the Highland County Farm Bureau to play a small part in a great event!