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Evan Callicoat of Columbus is one of 15 farmers and agribusiness professionals selected to participate in Ohio Farm Bureau’s 2025-2026 AgriPOWER Institute.

AgriPOWER is designed for farmers and agribusiness professionals. The program focuses on issues that are relevant to the farm and food industry such as consumer relations, regulations, energy, and trade policies. In AgriPOWER, individuals develop the skills necessary to become effective leaders and advocates for agriculture by learning from experts in these fields.

Callicoat serves as director of state policy for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, where he advocates for state-level policies that benefit Ohio agriculture and Farm Bureau members. His work focuses on a wide range of issues, including energy, taxes, transportation, infrastructure, landowner rights, zoning and education. In his role, he works closely with members across the state and regularly engages in policy development and legislative testimony at the Ohio Statehouse.

Callicoat previously served as an Ohio FFA state officer and remains active in leadership and service roles, including serving as a Delta Theta Sigma fraternity advisor and volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“These individuals have already made their mark on Ohio agriculture, and I am excited that they want to take their leadership skills to the next level,” said Marlene Eick, director of AgriPOWER. “This program will not only give participants a deeper understanding of the farm and food sector here in Ohio and across the country, it will also give them the tools they need to become even stronger advocates for an industry they are already passionate about.”

One of the sessions will take place in Washington, D.C., to give participants a better understanding of national and global issues, and an out-of-state session in California will help them learn about the differences and similarities in agriculture outside of Ohio.

Partnering with Ohio Farm Bureau on AgriPOWER Class XVI are Ohio Corn & Wheat, AgCredit, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, Ohio Soybean Council, and heritage partner Nationwide.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected].

Editors: A high-resolution photo of Evan Callicoat is available for download