scenic soybean field

A crucial step toward fostering mental health awareness and support was taken on July 10, as the Brown County Farm Bureau and local Extension offices hosted a comprehensive Mental Health First Aid Training event. Seventeen participants gathered from from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to gain vital insights into recognizing signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, as well as learning effective ways to assist during a mental health crisis.  Attendees represented several area agencies including local banks, Chamber of Commerce, Natural Resources Conservation Services, Soil and Water Conservation District, Pheasants Forever, Farm Bureau trustees and more.

The training agenda included essential information on identifying various mental health conditions and strategies to offer timely and appropriate support. This joint initiative aimed to equip attendees with the tools and understanding required to address mental health concerns within the community. Attendees left the event with enhanced confidence in their ability to positively impact the lives of those facing mental health challenges. 

The collaboration between OSU Extension and the local Farm Bureaus exemplifies a united effort to address mental health concerns proactively.  By imparting these valuable skills, the organizers have taken significant strides in creating a more supportive and empathetic community.   

Farm Labor Resources
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.
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Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
Strong communities
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.
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Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
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.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Young Ag Professionals program
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.
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Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
Growing our Generation
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.
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Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

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

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
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.
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Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
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.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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