Brandon Fullenkamp

The latest episode of American Farm Bureau’s Farmside Chat podcast, hosted by AFBF President Zippy Duvall, features Ohio Farm Bureau member and Highland County farmer Brandon Fullenkamp. After experiencing his own struggles and seeking help, Fullenkamp has become passionate about discussing the importance of mental health.

After a friend’s many attempts to help Fullenkamp find help to improve his mental well-being, he finally made the decision to talk with a counselor in the area.

“One of the harder things I have ever done in my life is pull into that driveway and park my truck out in front of the place because I didn’t need anyone in the community to think anything was wrong with me,” Fullenkamp told Duvall on the podcast. “It was really the best thing I ever did.”

He is now an advocate for farmers and ranchers across the country – sharing his story and the benefits of mental health services.

“Don’t let the stigma and don’t let fear stop you from seeking help if you think you need it,” Fullenkamp said. “It’s a whole lot easier to get out of a foot-deep hole than it is a six foot deep one.”

You can listen to Fullenkamp’s full conversation with American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall on the Farmside Chat podcast. The episode is also available on YouTube.

My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

New and beginning farmers
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
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Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
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
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
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
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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