Ohio Farm Bureau is ensuring that more young people, who may have never considered a profession in agriculture, see that opportunities abound in Ohio’s largest industry.
In the previous edition of Our Ohio, we shared all the ways Ohio Farm Bureau is working to give our members the tools they need to succeed.
Those tools include our policy efforts, staying ahead of trends, creating solutions to keep businesses thriving and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
As important as each of these efforts are to the future of Ohio agriculture, one challenge outweighs them all—the next generation of workforce. Our data shows that the 10-year need for workers in agribusiness occupations is more than 90,000. Where will they come from, and how can we get them here?
Creating a career pathway to agriculture is a passion I brought with me when I came into this role almost a decade ago. Our work in this space is highlighted by the graphic above, which shows you literally every step young members can take as they pursue a career in agriculture through Farm Bureau leadership programs.
We just recently launched the Ohio Farm Bureau County Volunteer Ag Literacy Certification Program. This one-day training session equips volunteers with the skills and resources to effectively engage with youth about ag literacy topics. For many young people, that is where their agriculture journey begins.
It continues through the ExploreAg camps, where teens learn about agriculture and related STEM fields from industry experts, scientists and educators. Then, it is on to Collegiate Farm Bureau, where students are learning how to lead an organization that focuses on the success of their communities.
While they are in school, they may receive scholarships through our foundation to make college more affordable, and many students get assistance with internship opportunities to get their careers off the ground.
To take their skills to the next level, they get involved in our Young Ag Professionals programing to learn about shaping policy and communicating with lawmakers. Finally, they learn how to be effective leaders by taking part in our AgriPOWER program and from there, the sky is truly the limit and Ohio Farm Bureau was there every step of the way.
Our food system is the strongest in the world because of the talented, dedicated people working within it, and Ohio Farm Bureau is ensuring that more young people, who may have never considered a profession in agriculture, see that opportunities abound in Ohio’s largest industry.
Adam Sharp
Executive Vice President
This issue of Our Ohio highlights Ohio Farm Bureau’s programs, scholarships and other efforts to support ag education in the state and showcase career pathways in Ohio’s largest industry.
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Through established policy, all county Farm Bureaus in Ohio provide and support ag literacy programs to enhance students’ knowledge about agriculture.
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The Golden Owl Award recognizes outstanding agriculture educators who make an impact in their local communities.
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A combination of factors have caused a vet shortage in Ohio, particularly for the specialty of working with livestock.
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Ohio Farm Bureau is ensuring that more young people, who may have never considered a profession in agriculture, see that opportunities abound in Ohio’s largest industry.
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The award is for students who are pursuing a certification, accreditation or a degree related to welding. Apply by March 31.
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What career advice would you give to the next generation?
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Ohio Farm Bureau’s signature ag literacy and workforce development program offers free week, multiday and daylong immersion programs for high school students. Apply by June 13.
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Ohio House Bill 432, sponsored by Rep. Don Jones, sets up new alternative educator preparation programs.
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