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Robert Oakley of Quaker City 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.
Oakley owns and operates Oakley Contracting, a general contractor business that specializes in fencing, land clearing, excavation and installation. Additionally, he helps operate Oakley Cattle, where his family works to produce quality cattle genetics and high-quality beef for consumers while also providing construction services that support farm operations. He also is a 4 Rivers Ranch Equipment dealer for cattle working equipment and gates.
He serves as a board member of the Guernsey County Farm Bureau and is active in his community as a member of the Pennyroyal Ruritan Club and a coach of local youth sports.
“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 Robert Oakley is available for download.
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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