Article

KEY POINTS

• AgriPOWER is a 12-month, cohort-based program created by the Ohio Farm Bureau to educate, empower and connect rising agricultural leaders.
• Program alumni credit AgriPOWER with enhancing their professional careers, giving them the confidence to hold local public office and deepening their understanding of industry-wide connections and policy.
• The program builds lasting relationships and connections.

_________________________________________________________________________

Relationships build leaders, and leaders leave an impact.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s signature leadership program, AgriPOWER, educates, empowers and connects agriculture’s rising leaders through a 12-month, cohort-based program.

Scores of alumni who have participated in its 16-year history credit the program for both their professional trajectory and civic engagement pursuits.

“AgriPOWER was the catalyst that encouraged me to step beyond the farm and build meaningful relationships with people of all ages and backgrounds…many of whom I still turn to today for advice and guidance in specific situations,” said Jake Wolfinger, an AgriPOWER Class I graduate originally from Fairfield County.

“AgriPOWER broadened my perspective on the vast agricultural industry,” he said. “Upon graduation, I had a much deeper understanding of the beef industry and how it connects with the many industries that make up agriculture as a whole.”

Wolfinger has operated a large, multifaceted feedyard operation in Lexington, Nebraska,
since 2010.

“Over the years, we have focused on building a sustainable and diversified business,” he said. “Family remains at the center of our operation. Our daughters are actively involved in the business and represent the next generation of leadership.”

Owner of Schoolhouse Shrophires, fellow Class I graduate and Greene County Farm Bureau member Denise Percival is president of the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and serves as Greene County treasurer.

She credits AgriPOWER’s strength in the area of professional development as an asset in her current career.

“AgriPOWER provided a comprehensive foundation that directly supports my work in both agriculture and public service,” Percival said. “AgriPOWER didn’t change who I am—it refined how I lead. It strengthened my voice in agriculture, deepened my understanding of public policy and enhanced my skills to serve Greene County with professionalism, steadiness and responsible stewardship.”

Trumbull County Farm Bureau member Christen Clemson, a high school honors English teacher and Mecca Township trustee, said AgriPOWER instilled in her the wherewithal to pursue public service.

“AgriPOWER gave me the confidence to apply for a township trustee position when it came open and then run for the position a year later,” she said. “It has given me connections with government officials at all levels and created a lasting professional and friendship network that spans all of Ohio and a variety of professions. Honestly, AgriPOWER is one of the best programs I have ever done.”

Applications for Class XVII (2026-2027) have closed, but for more information about the AgriPOWER leadership program, visit ofbf.org/agripower.

AgriPOWER alumni interested in learning more about alumni activities should contact Marlene Eick at [email protected].

Feature photo caption: Jake and Janice Wolfinger with their daughters Jacie and Jaelin. Jake Wolfinger, an AgriPOWER Class I graduate, is originally from Fairfield County. He and his family now live in Nebraska.