Hamilton named Ohio Farm Bureau organization director
Arica Hamilton of Eaton has been named organization director for Ohio Farm Bureau and will serve members in Delaware, Franklin, Madison and Union counties.
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This summer, I had the absolute blessing of interning with Farm Bureau, and I truly can’t express how grateful I am for the opportunity. A huge thank-you goes to Melinda Lee for believing in me and giving me the chance to learn and grow in such a meaningful way. Over the past few months, I’ve developed so many valuable skills, made incredible connections, and had experiences that I’ll never forget.
Throughout the internship, I had the chance to work at several events—and while each one was special in its own way, a few really stood out to me.
COSI Farm Days
COSI Farm Days was such a fun and eye-opening event. It gave me the chance to talk with so many people and share what Farm Bureau is all about. One of my favorite parts was seeing kids—many of whom had never stepped foot on a farm or been around livestock—get excited about agriculture. Their curiosity and eagerness to learn made every conversation so worth it.
Franklin County Fair
Spending a whole week at the Franklin County Fair was another highlight. Franklin County is a very urban area, so being able to answer questions and educate people about agriculture felt incredibly important. The best part? Definitely the Country Olympics. Kids and adults alike dove into the games, got messy, and had a blast. It was fun watching everyone let loose and enjoy a break from the busyness of fair week.
Ice Cream with a Farmer – Plain City
This event was pure joy. From the delicious ice cream to the interactive stations, tractors and animals—it was a hit with all ages, especially the kids. Watching young children fall in love with agriculture and light up with excitement was such a fulfilling experience. It reminded me why I’m so passionate about this field.
Aside from the events, some of the most impactful moments came from the day-to-day work. I handled everything from social media posts to filming and editing membership spotlights, which meant I got to visit local farms and interview farmers about their work and connection to Farm Bureau. That hands-on experience was incredibly rewarding. I met so many inspiring people, heard their stories, and learned about the unique challenges farmers face every day.
I also picked up some new technology skills that I know will help me down the line. I’ve never been much of a social media person, but learning how to use these platforms to promote a business has taught me a lot.
Lessons and Thank-Yous
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through this internship is how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. I used to be so nervous about approaching new people, but this experience showed me that building connections is where opportunity begins. Every conversation, every handshake—it all helped me grow.
To Melinda: Thank you for your constant support and guidance. You’ve taught me so much and inspired me with your work ethic and dedication. I’m so thankful for the chance to learn from you.
To Georgeann: Thank you for always being there to help—and for the laughs along the way. I’ll truly miss working with both of you!
As I look back on this summer, I just feel so grateful. I’ve gained knowledge, confidence, friendships, and a deeper appreciation for agriculture and the people who make it all happen. Farm Bureau has made such an impact on me, and I can’t wait to take everything I’ve learned into the next chapter of my journey.
Kassandra Simmons has just finished up serving as the Intern for Central OH Farm Bureaus.
Arica Hamilton of Eaton has been named organization director for Ohio Farm Bureau and will serve members in Delaware, Franklin, Madison and Union counties.
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Taylor Mensing of Westerville recently graduated from Ohio Farm Bureau’s AgriPOWER Class XV.
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Over the past few months, I’ve developed so many valuable skills, made incredible connections, and had experiences that I’ll never forget.
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These meetings weren’t just about policies or elections—they were about community, celebration, and progress.
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My first COSI Farm Days COSI Farm Days was such a special experience. This was my first time attending, and…
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Vallejos is excited to support members across four counties through shared stories, hands-on experiences, and making connections within the local community
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COSI Farm Days is quickly approaching, and we are in need of volunteers to help at our table. The dates…
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The Franklin County Fair was packed with fun events, great people, and lots of chances to support the kids and our ag community.
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Please review the proposed code changes before the annual meeting for Franklin County on Aug. 4, 2025.
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We encourage all of our members to join us for the annual meeting at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at Hummel Farms, 5875 Bowen Rd. Canal Winchester, OH 43110.
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