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“Making the best better.” That is the 4-H motto. It can continue to be applied to multiple aspects of life. My name is Megan Dresbach, I am also known as the Ohio Manure Gal (OMG), thanks to my Facebook and Instagram blog. Through OMG, I have begun to share my passion for the manure industry with the rest of the world. It has created opportunities to be featured on news segments, articles and other media avenues. One blog post was shared by Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. In turn, OFBF sent me to American Farm Bureau’s Women’s Communications Boot Camp. I was ecstatic about this opportunity. In the middle of prime manure application season, as my father and brother kept things moving at home, I got on an airplane to our nation’s capital. Why would I do this when things are so busy at home? The answer is: if agriculture is not at the table sharing our story, then agriculture is on the menu. It never ends well for those on the menu.

The goal? To improve my communication skills. Continued improvement is crucial to being successful in sharing agriculture’s story. Everyone loves a good story right? Our body language and voice inflection contribute as much to the story as our words. Through various sessions presented by AFBF staff, myself and 13 other women from across the country, dove into the fine details of how to tell a story. Why is story telling important? All humans learn through stories. Sharing our story is how we connect with others, especially those not involved in the day-to-day operations of agriculture. Everyone is connected to agriculture, as this industry is the one that provides all the food, fuel and fiber we need. Numerous decisions are made on Capitol Hill that require agriculture’s input. After honing our communication skills, each of us went to our respective legislative offices, and put our skills to the test. Not only did agriculture get some prime face-to-face time with decision makers, we established relationships. Some days it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

My notebook is now full of tips and tricks, but my heart is full as well. Thirteen other women were in the same room learning the same things, interpreting them differently, and asking questions. Their thoughts and viewpoints made me think critically and look at a situation slightly different. They helped contribute to my personal growth. I expanded my network. I now have resources across the country to seek information that I didn’t have before this session. They have me as a resource as well. All good things.

It can be intimidating talking in public or talking to strangers. It is a little easier with some training and knowing there are supporters in the audience. In the future, these women might not be in the actual room, but I know they will be cheering me on, just the same I will be doing for them. Agriculture is a vast and diverse industry. It is also the industry that allows the world to survive. I’m honored to be a part of it. Thank you OFBF for this opportunity. Yet again, I have traveled to meet others who are involved with Farm Bureau, met them as strangers and came home with many new friends. I learned how to tell the story in a better way. That is how we make the best industry – agriculture – better.

About Women’s Communications Boot Camp

American Farm Bureau Federation hosts Women’s Communications Boot Camp twice a year where agricultural leaders complete an intensive four-day course that featured hands-on sessions focused on public speaking, working with the media and messaging.

This was the 21st Boot Camp hosted by AFBF. The program has 313 graduates and is open to all women involved in Farm Bureau.

Applications open in December for the 2025 spring session of Boot Camp.