Meet Abby Campbell, Sara Tallmadge, and Catherine Wolcott - Ohio’s Young Ag Professionals contestants who will compete at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in San Antonio.
As the season begins to change, Ohio Farm Bureau begins to transition to the contests and conferences part of the year for Young Ag Professionals. In January 2025, three state contest winners will compete in the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture, Outstanding Young Farmer and Discussion Meet contests at the AFBF Annual Convention in San Antonio. These contests are designed to highlight their involvement in Farm Bureau and the industry.
Sara Tallmadge from Ashland County will be competing in the Excellence In Agriculture competition that focuses on individuals or couples who do not have a majority of their gross income subject to normal production risk.
Describe your role in agriculture and your Farm Bureau involvement
Growing up, my childhood was split between military life and the family pheasant farm, but after my dad retired from the Marine Corps, my involvement in agriculture quickly grew. Once we settled back in Ohio full time, I became involved in 4-H and FFA and today I currently work as a Senior Laboratory Animal Technologist within OSU CFAES’ Center for Food Animal Health. In my role, I help to monitor research animal health and many other veterinary, research, and biosecurity related tasks while supporting the important work of our researchers, staff, and graduate students as they solve critical and emerging problems associated with production-limiting diseases of food animals, zoonoses, and food safety. Through my involvement in Ohio Farm Bureau, I’ve been very fortunate to serve my community and state in many ways, including on the Ashland County Farm Bureau board (2018-present), the Young Ag Professionals State Committee (2021-2024), as well as one of my favorite events, the Annual Ag Toy Drive.
Why did you choose to apply for this contest?
I chose to apply for this contest because I saw this as a great way to not only highlight the incredible work that is led by volunteers in District 8, but to feature the agricultural topics that are important to me: ag literacy, leadership transition planning, and rural health care access. I’ve volunteered and experienced so many great things during my time in Ohio agriculture, especially since becoming a Farm Bureau member in 2017. The Excellence in Ag contest gave me the opportunity to reflect on all the wonderful opportunities that I’ve had and the amazing volunteers that I’ve met along the way.
Catherine Wolcott from Geauga County will be competing in the Achievement Award that focuses on helping young farmers strengthen their business skills, develop marketing opportunities and receive recognition for their accomplishments.
Describe your role in agriculture and your Farm Bureau involvement
I am a first-generation farmer who found my calling through a few years of 4-H involvement. I wanted to know where my food came from and enjoyed raising animals. I met my husband, Steve, in 2013, he is also a first-generation farmer. Through the years we have tripled our numbers of animals raised and cropland planted. We have a farm store in Chardon, G.A.R. Horizons, selling freezer meats and promoting other local small businesses. I am also a 4-H advisor and enjoy seeing youth involved. I enjoy sharing our farm story on social media and I am a proud woman in agriculture. I will always say, “Mommas, please let your babies grow up to be farmers.” I recently rejoined our county Farm Bureau board in June while there was a seat open and I plan to be on the ballot to be voted in at our annual meeting in September. I am looking forward to being back and I hope to spread the word to our younger generation about the importance of Farm Bureau.
Why did you choose to apply for this contest?
I chose to apply for this after our county president suggested that I would be a good candidate. After reading through the questions I felt that I had good credentials from how far I’ve come as a farm girl to my community involvement. I am truly honored to represent Ohio and Geauga County. I had never attended the YAP winter conference, which I do regret now. I am looking forward to attending the next few before I age out. It was a great experience to meet different farmers and hear from the speakers. I would suggest this conference to anyone: Go at least once!
Abigale Campbell of Washington County will be competing in the Discussion Meet contest that simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each committee member. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues, and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.
Describe your role in agriculture and your Farm Bureau involvement
Currently my husband, Blake, and I are part of his family’s fourth generation sheep and swine farm. In 2021 we decided to make our own mark on the operation by starting “Campbell Farm Market” and providing direct-to-consumer sales of lamb and pork. In addition, we started attending local farmers markets, built a permanent farm stand, and started an Etsy page for our sheep fleeces. We took over the pumpkin patch and added cut flowers to diversify our income. As agricultural educators in the county, we both had a strong connection to our local Farm Bureau. This coming year we are excited to be serving on the Young Ag Professionals State Committee.
Why did you choose to apply for this contest?
In the classroom I tell my students to “step out of their comfort zone” and that they should “take positive risks.” In this case, I had to take some of my own advice and believe I was capable of participating in this contest. The Discussion Meet competition is so unique because it is public speaking and it can mimic debate, but the overall goal is to build consensus and build the skills needed to lead a successful meeting. As a young person involved in my local community, I know the value of a well-run meeting that ends with an action plan and potential solutions.
Conclusion
The AFBF Young Farmer and Rancher contests are a great way to develop and build leadership skills while getting to network among the top young agriculturalists in the nation. Ohio Farm Bureau is proud of the winners who will be representing Ohio in San Antonio! If you are interested in learning more about this year’s contest opportunities, contact [email protected].
Bethany Schappacher, a Clinton County Farm Bureau member, and her family own Schappacher Farms, a 50-acre pumpkin farm featuring a corn maze, hayrides, fall treats and other family activities.
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