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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, 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.