Key Points
________________________________________________________________________________________
It didn’t take Josie Jennings long to make a splash in landlocked Oklahoma.
The Clark County native and inaugural Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Ambassadors Scholarship recipient was awarded a Top 5 Freshman Excellence Award by Oklahoma State Ferguson College of Agriculture in September.
The scholarship received from the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation has been transformative as she continues to stack accolades and work toward a future that looks to help farm families endure for generations to come.
“When applying for the Ohio Farm Bureau Ambassador Scholarship, something immediately stood out to me. It spoke about perseverance, leadership and strengthening Ohio’s agricultural community. It is developing future leaders who will strengthen Ohio agriculture for generations to come,” she said, noting that because of the scholarship she is “one step closer to returning home equipped to serve the families and communities that have shaped my life.”
Ohio Farm Bureau Ambassadors Scholarship provides one renewable $10,000 scholarship to a deserving student seeking a degree in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. It is the foundation’s premier scholarship, honoring students who excel academically, serve their communities, and pursue careers that advance Ohio agriculture.
“Josie embodies the spirit of the Ohio Farm Bureau Ambassadors Scholarship—excelling academically, serving her community and pursuing her passion for agriculture with a clear purpose,” said Kelly Burns, executive director of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation. “Her commitment to helping farm families preserve their farms and legacies is exactly the kind of leadership we hope this scholarship helps cultivate for the future of Ohio agriculture.”
Jennings is in her second year at Oklahoma State, majoring in agribusiness and agricultural communications. Yet, her thoughts never stray far from home and the roots that have both kept her grounded and given her wings.
Her foundation in agriculture stems from her grandfather and uncle, who farm in Clark County.
“Some of my favorite days growing up were spent in the buddy seat of the combine during harvest season for hours on end,” she said in her scholarship application. “That extensive time beside my grandpa taught me about the value of hard work, legacy and a family-focused lifestyle.”
The Rockwellian picture of an idyllic life growing up on the farm didn’t come without the challenges many farm families face, particularly when it comes to succession planning.
“While I have always known agriculture would be part of my future, it wasn’t until I wrote an FFA speech on farm transition and succession planning that I discovered my passion,” she said in her application. “As I talked with my grandfather about his own experience, I realized these conversations are about much more than passing down land or assets; they are about preserving a lifetime of hard work, family relationships and legacy.”
The push and pull of both professional responsibilities and family ties went beyond the succession planning needs of her family. It was something she felt keenly in her own life while trying to balance FFA, school and home life in her leadership journey. While sharing her story across Ohio through her FFA, people kept approaching her about their own family’s story.
“That’s when I realized this wasn’t just my family’s experience. Farm transition is a challenge facing families everywhere, and it’s one I want to help solve,” Jennings said. Once she graduates from Oklahoma, she plans to attend law school then return to Ohio to help farm families navigate succession and transition planning.
“Whether that path leads me to agricultural law or another role, my goal is the same: helping families preserve both their farms and the legacies they’ve built,” she said.
What’s Next
The Ohio Farm Bureau Ambassadors Scholarship provides one renewable $10,000 scholarship to a deserving student seeking a degree in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Each scholarship is renewable for up to three years for a total of up to $40,000 per student.
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation and county Farm Bureau scholarships open Jan. 1, 2027. Visit ofbf.org/scholarships.
We cannot predict every challenge or opportunity that comes to our farmgate, but trusted research, practical resources and better information can help us prepare for whatever comes next.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Ambassadors Scholarship recipient Josie Jennings of Clark County plans to study agricultural law to help farm families preserve their land and legacies.
Read More
SoyFoam works like traditional firefighting foam that quickly smothers a fire. The difference is the absence of PFAS substances.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans offer PPO coverage with premiums independent of income, stable year-round enrollment, plus coverage options at any age for vision and dental.
Read More
Training focused on air-quality monitoring, retrieval equipment and standardized protocols to safely manage agricultural and livestock emergencies.
Read More
Gripp is launching a 60-day cohort in mid-January for Ohio Farm Bureau members, offering discounted access to its asset-tracking app.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau’s legal team created the guide to help members better understand the laws, regulations and risk considerations that come with opening their farms to the public.
Read More
Attendees learned about agricultural and farm rescue techniques covering tractor extrication, machinery entrapment, large animal rescue, grain bin rescue and hazards associated with manure pits.
Read More
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Jefferson County members created a weeklong program during their county fair to showcase the significant milestones and advancements in the agricultural industry.
Read More
