AgriPOWER Class XIV Session 2

In early December, the AgriPOWER class had the privilege of attending the Ohio Farm Bureau annual meeting, along with several other educational sessions.

AgriPOWER Class XIV with Dr Jeff King
AgriPOWER Class XIV with Dr. Jeff King

AgriPOWER Class XIV, Session 2 kicked off with dinner with the Ohio Farm Bureau board of trustees. This was an enjoyable evening spent getting to know the trustees on a more personal level, as well as learn each individual’s role they play in their own agricultural communities. We then had pleasure to attend an educational session with Dr. Jeff King, where we discussed our “Change Style Preference” and the role this plays in our leadership style. Tips and tools were discussed to allow each of us to interact with our teams in a more meaningful way.

With the commencement of the Annual Meeting on Thursday, Dec. 7, we were each able to attend a kick-off session of our choice. I attended a session on Ohio Farm Bureau Ag Literacy, led by Mary Klopfenstein. This session addressed tools and trainings we have access to as agricultural educators, as well as presented the opportunity to undergo formal training in the future to become a certified Ag Literacy Volunteer.

Following the morning sessions, we attended the opening of the General Session with a welcoming speech from President Bill Patterson, as well as the reading of officer reports. Following, we moved into another AgriPOWER session, meeting with commodity leaders such as Elizabeth Harsh, executive director of the Ohio Beef Council and Madison Layman with the Ohio Soybean Council. The class had the opportunities to ask questions and learn about their roles in the industry.

During the Kick-off Luncheon, we had the honor of witnessing the 2023 Ohio Farm Bureau Awards, featuring many inspiring stories of farmers doing amazing work around the state of Ohio. This was followed by a fireside style chat with the Nationwide Directors Jeff Zellers and Paul Wenger. The class was able to hear their experiences and stories with Farm Bureau and how they reached the positions they hold. The day ended with a class held by Melanie Wilt around Authentic Voices and how we each communicate effectively in our communities.

Session 2 was just as inspiring as Session 1, and AgriPOWER Class XIV is off to a great start!

Online Extra

AgriPOWER Class XIV participant Blake Adams shares what she learned during her experience at the annual meeting and from the professionals she met.

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
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
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
We really appreciate what Farm Bureau has done to get people interested in this line of work and workforce development and getting people interested in this industry.
Jody Brown Boyd's avatar
Jody Brown Boyd

Brown's Family Farm Market

Finding farm labor
We work terrifically with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, hosting at least one to two outreach town hall events every year to educate new farmers and existing farmers on traditional CAUV and woodlands.
David Thomas's avatar
David Thomas

Ashtabula County Auditor

CAUV: Past, present and future
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
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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