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William Gase of Custar 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.

Gase is an account officer with AgCredit in Bowling Green, where he works with farmers and agricultural businesses to secure financing for real estate, equipment, operating expenses and farm improvements. Through his role, he supports producers in navigating financial decisions critical to the success of their operations.

In addition to his professional work, Gase is also active on his in-laws’ family farm. Through the work he has done with his brother-in-law and grandparents to grow corn, soybeans, and wheat, he has gained firsthand insight into challenges farmers face year in and year out.

Gase serves on AgCredit’s Young, Beginning, Small Farmer Advisory Committee, volunteers with the Wood County 4-H and is involved with the Otsego FFA Alumni Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness and applied economics from The Ohio State University and will be graduating this spring with a master’s degree in business administration from Bowling Green State University.

“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 William Gase is available for download.