Article

Three finalists have been named in Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s 2020 Discussion Meet. They are David Glass of Chillicothe, Micah Mensing of Millersburg and Kalyn Swihart of Lima.

The annual contest tests participants’ subject knowledge, problem-solving abilities and personal and small group communications skills. These young agricultural professionals will compete in the finals as part of the Young Agricultural Professionals Winter Leadership Experience at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus Jan. 31.

The finalists were named after a preliminary competition at Ohio Farm Bureau’s 101st Annual Meeting in Columbus where they discussed topics impacting the agriculture industry.

“The Discussion Meet contest is a meaningful opportunity for young ag professionals to strengthen their skills in working together to solve issues facing agriculture today. I look forward to watching these finalists compete at the finals next year,” said OFBF Leadership Development Program Specialist Kelsey Turner.

The winner receives a $1,000 cash award from Nationwide, an expense-paid trip to the 2020 OFBF Annual Meeting in Columbus and an expense-paid trip to the AFBF Annual Convention in January 2021 in San Diego.

Glass is a Ross County Farm Bureau member, where he currently serves as treasurer. He is employed with Pickaway Progress Partnership, the economic development agency for Pickaway County and its municipalities. He and his wife, Audrey, produce meat, eggs and vegetables for family, friends and the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. Glass is a graduate of the Ohio State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness and applied economics. He is a board member of the ATZ FarmHouse Foundation Board. The Glass family includes two children.

Mensing is an Ottawa County Farm Bureau member. He is a recent graduate of the Ohio State University, where he studied production agriculture at OSU-ATI and agriscience education on the Columbus campus. He was named Ohio State Department of Agricultural Communication, Education and Leadership (ACEL) Distinguished Senior in 2019. Mensing is a Growing Forward Specialist with Farm Credit Mid-America and is an active member of Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals program.

Swihart is a member of the Allen County Farm Bureau. Along with continuing her studies at the Ohio State University in the fields of agricultural communications and public affairs, Swihart manages a sheep herd of about 40 head. She also has held internships with U.S. Congressman Bob Latta, Growth Energy and Ohio Farm Bureau. She enjoys attending OFBF Young Agricultural Professionals events and has been a part of the YAP Washington, D.C. Experience. Swihart is slated to graduate in 2020.

The Discussion Meet is hosted by OFBF’s Young Agricultural Professionals – singles and married couples ages 18 to 35 who are interested in improving the business of agriculture, learning new ideas and developing leadership skills. Learn more about the Young Ag Professionals program at experienceyap.com.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231.

Editors: High-resolution photos of Mr. Glass, Mr. Mensing and Ms. Swihart are available.