Workforce development

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.

Workforce development grantWith 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.” 

 

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

Farm Labor Resources
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
Ernie Welch's avatar
Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
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
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
Jaclyn De Candio's avatar
Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
Jenna Gregorich's avatar
Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
Jared Hughes's avatar
Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
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
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.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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