Understanding your cattle brings benefits
Knowing how a certain cow acts or responds can often indicate something about her health and well-being as well.
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Geauga County Farm Bureau would like to honor its 2025 scholarship recipients.
Rachel O’Reilly is the daughter of Kevin and Amy O’Reilly of Middlefield and receives a $1,500 scholarship. She is a 2022 graduate of Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin and is currently attending The Ohio State University, majoring in agribusiness and applied economics. Rachel has been active in the Agribusiness Club, Saddle and Sirloin Club, Agriculture Systems Management Club, and is a College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Living Learning Community member. Rachel volunteers with Farm Bureau at the county fair and has served as a Young Ag representative at Ag Day at the Capital. She hopes to use her education to manage her family farm and wants to raise her own herd of commercial/show cattle.
Garrett Hastings is the son of Lad and Brenda Hastings of Chardon and receives a $1,000 scholarship. He is a 2021 graduate of Berkshire High School and is currently attending The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, majoring in veterinary medicine. Garrett has been active in three clubs during Vet School. He plans to work solely with food animals, primarily with a dairy cattle focus.
Taylor Poff is the daughter of Rick and Kim Poff of Chardon and receives a $750 scholarship. She is a 2025 graduate of Chardon High School and Lakeland Community College, where she completed an associate of arts degree. She has been involved in the National Society of Leadership and Success and has 4-H. Taylor and her sister Tatumn have been heavily involved in the beef cattle industry showing cattle and serving as mentors to many across the state. Taylor is the BEST representative for the Ohio Cattleman’s Association and serves as the Public Relations Chair for the New Ohio Cattleman’s Association Youth Council. Taylor will be attending The Ohio State University, pursuing a degree in agriculture.
Brittany Adams is the daughter of Mark and Tina Adams of Chardon. She receives a $750 scholarship. She is a 2021 graduate of Chardon High School and currently attends Akron University, majoring in nursing. While at Akron, Brittany was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and has made the dean’s list five semesters in a row. She has been active in her community for many years and most recently planned and executed a “Prince and Princess for a Day” program at the fair. Brittany is active in Farm Bureau and is a trustee on the county board. She loves inspiring youth to get involved with agriculture.
Tatumn Poff is the daughter of Rick and Kim Poff of Chardon and receives a $500 Scholarship. She is a 2025 graduate of Chardon High School and Lakeland Community College, where she completed an associate of arts degree. Tatumn was active in Junior Leaders, National Honor Society, and 4-H. Tatumn and her sister Taylor also participated in the Ohio Youth Capital Challenge, a program that gives teens the chance to get involved and have a hands-on experience that will enable them to make their communities a better place. Delegates work in their assigned delegate teams over the course of a few months to develop a public policy issue and proposed solution, and prepare a presentation for a public hearing. Tatumn also enjoys graphic design and photography and started her own business, Route Sx Creatives. Tatumn will be attending The Ohio State University this fall, pursuing a degree in agriculture.
Dennis Bergansky is the son of Dennis and Kathleen Bergansky of Chagrin Falls. He is the recipient of a $500 scholarship. He is a 2021 graduate of Kenston High School and is currently attending Kent State University, majoring in early childhood education. He has been involved in 4-H for the past 12 years, volunteered for the Geauga Hunger Task Force, nursing homes, and food drives. He has also helped out with sports camps at Kenston. Dennis has volunteered at the county fair with Farm Bureau and also at the NE Counties Farm Bureau Kids Ag Adventure Club at our Farm Conference. Dennis hopes to use his education to inspire others as he teaches students about STEM and agriculture.
Congratulations Rachel, Garrett, Taylor, Brittany, Tatumn, and Dennis! We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
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.
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.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through 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.
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.
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.
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.
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