Growing our Generation: Representing Ohio in Charlotte
Maggie Preston, Lincoln Deitrick and Denver Davis describe their role in agriculture, their Farm Bureau involvement and what it means to win their respective state awards.
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Growing our Generation e-newsletter features insights and ideas directly from Ohio’s young farmers and agricultural professionals. Sign up to get this e-letter sent directly to your inbox once a month.
By definition, conservation involves the protection, preservation, and sustainable management of natural resources, environments, and cultural artifacts to prevent their depletion or destruction. While often associated with a few highly visible roles, the field is driven by a diverse range of specialists working behind the scenes to make these efforts possible.
Meet Hannah Ziegler, nutrient management technician and social media content creator for Crawford and Wyandot Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Outside of the office, Ziegler, alongside her dad, raises corn, soybeans, and wheat and uses overwintering and cool-season annual cover crops to improve soil tilth, increase soil microbiology and supplement forage for their cow herd.
Day in the life
No two days are alike, which is what keeps my job exciting. I might be writing nutrient management plans for local producers, assessing warm- and cool-season pasture grasses, interviewing SWCD board members, or designing our next nutrient management and grazing newsletter. Outside of work and farming, I stay deeply involved in my community as a registered EMT, a Wyandot County Farm Bureau trustee, and an active member of both the Upper Sandusky Lions Club and St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.
Conservation chose me
I often joke, “I didn’t choose the world of conservation; the conservation world chose me.” I graduated from The Ohio State University with my bachelor of science in agricultural communication and animal sciences, thus I am a unique case when it comes to working in the conservation field. Not having studied crop science, agronomy, or natural resources, I am completely self-taught and have learned a great deal from hands-on training, conferences, collaboration with colleagues, and utilizing my own on-farm conservation experience. I am fascinated by the positive results we have seen from implementing an array of conservation practices across the landscape.
An impactful career
I think it’s often portrayed that farmers and consumers have differing views or outlooks on how the Earth should be taken care of, when in reality we all want the same thing: to make the world a safer, cleaner, and better place. That being said, just as there is a lack of education in other facets of the agriculture industry, conservation is no different. My role affords me the opportunity to share with consumers about the steps farmers are taking to improve water quality and the environment, while also working with farmers to implement best management practices keeping their bottom line in the forefront of discussion.
Serving as a trustee on the Wyandot County Farm Bureau Board has allowed me to strengthen my interpersonal connections with fellow farmers and conservationists alike. From cover crops, to new precision technology, and everything in between, I’ve been able to serve as a sounding board and see a different perspective as I field the good, bad and ugly conversations as a farmer and conservationist.
My uncle Fred once told me, “You can’t stub your toe standing still” meaning if you want to blaze a trail and chase your dreams, you cannot be afraid to fail. Don’t be afraid to walk through a door that may take you on an uncharted journey; those opportunities could be far greater than you imagine, and conservation may just be one of them.
Upcoming Deadlines and Events
Are you an early-stage business owner looking for grant assistance to reach your long-term goals? Look no further than the Growing Tomorrow Grant. Applications are due July 31.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation is looking for its next YAP foundation director. This is a unique leadership development opportunity for an active Young Ag Professional (ages 18–35) to hold a voting seat on the foundation’s board of directors for the 2027 term. Application deadline is July 31.
Curious about diverse careers in agriculture? Learn more at one of Ohio Farm Bureau’s remaining ExploreAg one-day camps for students entering grades 9-12! See the full list of camp descriptions and application deadlines.
AgriPOWER is an elite 12-month leadership program that empowers and connects Ohio’s agriculture’s rising leaders in every sector. Application deadline is Aug. 1.
Ohio Farm Bureau has teamed with Collette Tours to take guided travel experiences to a new level, starting with France, March 11-22, 2027. From the opulent Palace of Versailles to the enchanting streets of Paris, grab a baguette and rendezvous with the best of France. Bask in the rich history, culture, and romance of these celebrated cities, fairy-tale Loire Valley châteaux, and charming towns. The registration deposit deadline is Sept. 12.
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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The 75,000 square foot ImAGine Ag exhibit made its debut at the 2026 Ohio State Fair in the new Ohio Agriculture Center, giving thousands of visitors a hands-on, interactive learning experience.
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Growing our Generation: Choosing conservation
Meet Hannah Ziegler, nutrient management technician and social media content creator for Crawford and Wyandot Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
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While many envision the dairy sector solely on the farm, modern agriculture relies heavily on vital, nontraditional supporting roles.
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Growing our Generation e-newsletter features insights and ideas directly from Ohio’s young farmers and agricultural professionals. Sign up to get…
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