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. 21, 2025.

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

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

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

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

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

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

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