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Session 2 for AgriPOWER Class XIV was a great opportunity to network with other agricultural professionals while attending the OFBF annual meeting. We were able to attend the general session, a breakout session, and the luncheon of the annual meeting. I attended the OFB Ag Literacy session to learn more about the program. I found that the session was very informative and I learned a great deal about the program. The program helps bring agriculture into classrooms.

We started Session 2 with supper with the OFBF board of trustees. It was a great networking opportunity getting to know some of the trustees that represent the great state of Ohio and Ohio agriculture. We listened to Dr. Jeff King with Ohio State University Leadership Center after supper. Dr. King presented to us change style preferences and how we interact with each other based on our style. This training helped me to identify ways to be more aware of how I interact with others. Once aware of any differences, I can make adjustments to understand others on a deeper level to help accomplish our goals and effectively communicate.

On Thursday we enjoyed an industry panel with commodity group leaders. In attendance for the panel was Elizabeth Harsh with Ohio Beef Council & Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and Madi Layman with the Ohio Soybean Council. Both ladies told us that it is okay not to know everything all at once; we can keep adding to our toolbox as we continue to learn and grow. It is important to remain an active learner and to always be curious.

We also met with Nationwide Directors Jeff Zellers and Paul Wenger on Thursday afternoon. Jeff is the Chairman & President of K.W. Zellers & Son, Inc., a seasonal business of Arrow brand fresh salad vegetables. Paul Wenger is a third-generation almond and walnut farmer who owns and operates Wood Colony Nut Company. Both Jeff and Paul provided us stories that helped give us solid advice that we can use in our personal and professional lives. They told us that change is a good thing: learn from it and evolve yourself.

To finish off our session we met with Melanie Wilt with Shift•ology Communication. Melanie spoke on Authentic Voices, and it was my favorite session. She taught us to Be Confident, Be Proactive and most importantly Be Yourself. These skills can be utilized in agriculture by helping to identify where you fit into the industry, understanding the audience, and presenting individual truth. These steps will help the audience better understand your viewpoint and help you to articulate your thoughts clearly. Melanie taught us how to communicate effectively and use less words doing so. We try to tell our side of the story with too many words and that’s how we can lose our audience. By learning how to communicate more effectively, we become better advocates for the industry we love.

I look forward to the new challenges, networking and opportunities for growth we will be experiencing as the Farm Bureau AgriPOWER Class XIV.