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The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation’s Workforce Development and Ag Literacy Grant Program is helping to promote agriculture education and career development in the state of Ohio, specifically right here in Brown County. Recently, area Junior High students from Ripley, Georgetown and Eastern Brown had the opportunity to visit the Greenacres Foundation location in Lewis Township, where they were able to learn about agriculture and agricultural careers firsthand.

With the collaboration of the Brown County Educational Service Center, one unique aspect of the visit was the presence of a “human library.” This is a program that allows students to have conversations with people who have diverse backgrounds and life experiences, much like checking out a book from a library. The human library participants included representatives from the Brown County Farm Bureau, Brown County Soil & Water Conservation District, OSU Extension, Brown County Health Department, Hospice of Hope, Southern State Community College, Adams County Regional Medical Center, Koenig Equipment, Brown County Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Valley Manor, Talbert House and numerous additional individuals who are involved in various aspects of agriculture and agricultural support within our community.

“The Brown County Educational Service Center appreciated the support from the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation as we were able to provide multiple career events to enable students to learn about careers in agriculture and other related fields,” said Becky Cropper. “Through the project, 60 volunteers contributed their time by participating in the Human Library where they were involved in one on one conversations with the students. Students participated in a field trip to the Green Acres Foundation and Environmental Facility in Brown County as a part of the final event.”

The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation’s Workforce Development and Ag Literacy Grant Program is helping to address needs by providing funding for programs that promote agricultural education and career development. By visiting locations like the Greenacres Foundation, students are able to gain a better understanding of agriculture and the many opportunities available in the field. Of her experience, Georgetown educator Carrie Hudson shared the importance of promoting agricultural literacy among young people, stating that, “our kids are the next generation. They need to understand how agriculture impacts our economy, realize what careers are available, and understand the implications of environmental decisions so they can be productive citizens.”