Applications for Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans now available
Members have three ways to apply: contacting a certified agent, calling 833-468-4280 or visiting ohiofarmbureauhealthplans.org.
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A team of two Ohio high school students took first place in the 2021 Ohio Youth Capital Challenge finals for their policy proposal about addressing feral cat overpopulation.
Sponsored by Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio 4-H and Ohio FFA, the Ohio Youth Capital Challenge is for youths who want to learn more about government and public policy and make a difference in their community. Participants learn how to identify local issues, create solutions and follow the process through state government.
The 2021 winning team members are Cadence Richard of Allen County and Emily Scaff of Scioto County. Both participants won a $500 scholarship for placing first in the competition.
The challenge started in the spring when groups met to learn about public policy issues and began planning their proposals. A total of 10 teams made up of 19 student delegates and 10 collegiate mentors participated in a series of online modules with topics designed to guide them in developing an effective advocacy strategy. Delegates participated in the program virtually and concluded with a mock public hearing where the top four teams were identified.
The teams were judged on their public policy proposals dealing with a specific issue or problem. In the final competition, the teams described the steps necessary to have their public policy proposal adopted by the appropriate government authorities.
The second place team of Lucy Spencer of Auglaize County and Arianna Wilson-Velderrain of Franklin County each won a $300 scholarship for their focus on developing policies to support individuals who have been affected by sexual harassment. Currently, many workplaces only provide support to sexual assault victims.
The third place team won a $200 scholarship as Tessa Wood of Portage County explored food waste and insecurity in Ohio and how changes in policy could prevent food from being wasted at the store and becoming more accessible in food deserts.
The fourth place team members, Haven Hileman of Adams County and Hannah Saum of Fairfield County, dove into motor vehicle policies and determined how to better prepare drivers for the road, especially in rural areas, earning them both a $100 scholarship in the contest.
The Ohio Youth Capital Challenge will take place again in 2022, with application information being available at ohiofarmbureau.org on Oct. 7, 2021.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.
This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or [email protected].
Editors: A high-resolution photo is available to accompany this story.
Caption: This year’s first place team of (L to R) Cadence Richard of Allen County and Emily Scaff of Scioto County are pictured presenting their winning policy proposal about fighting feral cat overpopulation during the 2021 Ohio Youth Capital Challenge.
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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