Growing our Generation: Grassroots advocacy
Ohio Farm Bureau provides opportunities, platforms and resources to help you develop your voice in the industry and give farmers a seat at the table with leaders and legislators.
Read More
Abigale Campbell of Washington County is the winner of Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals 2024 Discussion Meet competition. The results were announced Jan. 27 during the YAP Winter Leadership Experience.
The Discussion Meet tests participants’ subject knowledge, problem solving abilities and personal and small group communications skills. It is designed for young agricultural professionals to work together to find solutions around issues facing agriculture today.
Campbell and her husband, Blake, are fourth generation farmers in their sheep and swine operation. They specialize in growing and direct marketing cut flowers, pumpkins, produce, meat, and wool products.
After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in agriscience education from Ohio State and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Kentucky, Campbell is currently an agriscience educator and FFA advisor at Fort Frye High School. She is also a member of the Ohio State College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Alumni Board, the Barlow Independent Fair Board, and a teaching fellow with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.
As the winner, she receives a $3,000 cash prize, complimentary registration to the 2025 YAP Winter Leadership Experience and an expense-paid trip to 2025 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in San Antonio. Her prize package is sponsored by Nationwide and Farm Credit Mid-America.
In addition to Campbell, the other Discussion Meet finalists are Kane Lewis of Scioto County, Kendall Lovejoy of Fulton County and Kameron Rinehart of Fayette County.
All finalists receive a softshell jacket and complimentary registration to the 2025 YAP Winter Leadership Experience. Finalist prizes are sponsored by Nationwide, Farm Credit Mid-America and Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals program provides leadership development and professional growth opportunities for Farm Bureau members who are ages 18-35. The program hosts the Winter Leadership Experience, a Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience and conducts the Outstanding Young Farmer, Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet contests. Learn more about the program at experienceyap.com.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio Farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.
This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or [email protected].
Editors: A high-resolution photo of Ms. Campbell is available for download.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
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.
Featured Articles
Southeast Ohio Community Entrepreneurship Program
The free Entrepreneurship Bootcamp would benefit newer farmers and be helpful to anyone who caters to end consumers and has been in business for five years or less. Sessions start June 8.
Read More
Klopfenstein named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist
Mary Klopfenstein of Delphos has been named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read More
Commissioner Willis sponsors Young Ag members
If you are age 18 to 24 and a farmer, a student or your job is directly impacted by the health of Ohio agriculture, we invite you to become a young member.
Read More
2024 YAP State Committee leadership announced
Leading Ohio Farm Bureau’s 2024 YAP State Committee are Luke and Kayla Durbin of Coshocton County, Tim and Sarah Terrill of Montgomery County and Carly Fitz of Perry County.
Read More
Growing our Generation: Grain bin safety training could save a life
Farming is a very rewarding occupation, but it can come with hazardous territory if there are not proper training protocols in place.
Read More
State Rep. Johnson sponsors Young Ag Members
This donation helps the youth in our community be able to be a member of the Farm Bureau and continue to support agriculture.
Read More
Foundation board seeking Young Ag Professional member
This position is created for an active Young Ag Professional member who has a passion for fundraising and is interested in further developing their leadership skills. Apply by May 3.
Read More
Tietje wins Ohio Farm Bureau 2024 Collegiate Discussion Meet
The Collegiate Discussion Meet tests participants’ subject knowledge, problem solving abilities and communications skills around current agricultural issues.
Read More
Good start: Farmer takes advantage of new program
Trevor German is the first beginning farmer to complete a transaction through the new Ohio Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program.
Read More