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Members have three ways to apply: contacting a certified agent, calling 833-468-4280 or visiting ohiofarmbureauhealthplans.org.
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CANFIELD, OH — Last week, the Canfield Fairgrounds transformed from a quiet off-season landmark into a bustling outdoor classroom for the first-ever Mahoning County 4th Grade Ag Day.
In a joint effort between the Mahoning County Farm Bureau and The Ohio State University Extension, the event welcomed hundreds of fourth graders—including every 4th grade student from the Youngstown City School District—to bridge the gap between the grocery store shelf and the family farm.
Hands-On Learning at the Fairgrounds
With an “army of volunteers” in attendance, the day was designed to show students that agriculture isn’t just about food—it’s about fiber, fuel, and the environment. Students rotated through 18 interactive stations that brought the textbook to life:
• Dairy & Livestock: Students tried their hand at milking a cow, making fresh butter, and interacting with farm animals.
• The Science of Farming: Stations highlighted the process of producing wool, maple syrup, and honey.
• Modern Machinery: Kids explored the high-tech equipment local farmers use to manage thousands of acres of crops.
• Sustainability: Interactive lessons on watersheds and veterinary science showed the next generation how farmers protect natural resources.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
The event was modeled after a long-standing, successful program in neighboring Ashtabula County. For many of the urban and suburban students in attendance, this was their first face-to-face interaction with a working farmer.
“This event gives students a chance to experience agriculture in a hands-on way,” said Beth Smith, Mahoning County 4-H Youth Development Educator. “For many youth, this is their first opportunity to connect what they see every day—food, clothing, and natural resources—to how those things are produced.”
Jennifer Pemberton, President of the Mahoning County Farm Bureau, emphasized the importance of community partnerships, noting that “Ag Day helps students better understand the important role agriculture plays in their daily lives.”
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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