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Ohio Farm Bureau members ages 18-34 who are interested in developing their leadership skills and enhancing programming for their peers should apply for the Young Agricultural Professionals State Committee Class of 2029.

Application deadline is May 1, 2026.

The state committee is composed of eight members or couples who suggest, develop and conduct activities that provide networking, social and learning opportunities for young farmers and ag professionals, including planning the yearly leadership experience and hosting Young Agricultural Professionals in a variety of in- and out-of-state events.

Committee members serve a two-year term that begins in September 2026 and expires two years later after the Young Ag Professionals Leadership Experience in January 2029. Four new couples or singles are appointed each year. Members serve a two-year term with four returning and four new positions each year.

Eligibility:

• Applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and must not have reached their 35th birthday before Dec. 31, 2026.
• Applicant must be a current Ohio Farm Bureau member and active in their county Farm Bureau.
• Applicants applying as a couple must be in a union recognized by the state.
• Applicant must be from a county not currently represented on the committee.
  • Members from the following counties are currently ineligible to apply for the YAP State Committee as there is currently representation on the Committee: Athens-Meigs, Clermont, Hardin, Ross, Stark, Washington, Wayne, and Wood.
• Applicants are ineligble to apply if they have previously served on the YAP State Committee.
• Members are not eligible to participate in YAP contests while serving on the YAP State Committee.

Please contact Marlene Eick at [email protected] regarding eligibility questions.

Commitment:

Members are expected to be present at all meetings and activities conducted by this team. The Class of 2029 committee term will begin Sept. 1, 2026, and conclude at the 2029 Winter Leadership Experience.

Anticipated 2026 committee meetings are as follows:

Aug. 12, 7 p.m. New Committee Orientation 1 – Virtual
Aug. 26, 7 p.m.  New Committee Orientation 2 – Virtual
Sept. 18-19 (5 p.m. tentative start on Friday): YAP State Committee Meeting, Columbus
Dec. 9 evening: YAP State Committee Meeting, Columbus
Dec. 10 through lunch: Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, Columbus

Application process

Applications are due by May 1, 2026 at 5 p.m. 

The top six applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview.