2025 Winter Leadership Experience logo

Attending a recent Winter Leadership Experience literally changed Lincoln Deitrick’s life and work.

Lincoln Dietrick“I had the opportunity to attend the 2023 Winter Leadership Conference structured around two main topics: the importance of branding and finding niche markets,” said the Muskingum County Farm Bureau member. “The sessions and conversations provided us with the resources and knowledge to start an on-the-farm meat market that provides local, farm-raised meat directly to consumers. I also attended a grain market session that provided me with the tools to sharpen my grain market strategy.”

Now, members of any age, even those who are not Young Agricultural Professionals, are welcome to have an experience similar to Deitrick’s and attend this signature Ohio Farm Bureau Young Ag Professionals event.

“Embracing Your Season” is more than the theme of the 2025 Winter Leadership Experience, which takes place at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky Feb. 7-8.
It is a mindset that aims to include everyone interested in learning and growing through networking with other agriculturalists, attending scores of useful workshops and speaker engagements and enjoying quality time with their family and friends in ag. There will be kids programming available during sessions.

In 2025, the Winter Leadership Experience is opening the doors to all members – giving everyone a chance to connect, learn and grow together, building personal and professional skills, and engaging where new perspectives meet shared goals.

Attending could have the same impact on anyone as it had on Deitrick and his family’s operation.

“The big takeaway from the conference and words that drive our farm to success is ‘know your farmer, know your food,’” he said, and that same message hasn’t changed as the event has evolved.

Registration closes Jan. 22, 2025.

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
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
Farm Bureau connections
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
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
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
Bringing the farm back to life
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
Farm Bureau involvement
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
Select Partner Program
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
Advocacy
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
Suggested Tags: