Jonathan and Alyssa Zucker

Congratulations to Jonathan and Alyssa Zucker from Marion County on being selected to serve on the American Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers committee. As representatives of our region for a two-year term, they fill one of 16 positions to help plan YF&R activities and coordinate competitive events.

Farm Bureau National Program Committees Welcome New Members

WASHINGTON, December 19, 2022 – Many Americans prioritize sharing their time, talents and expertise in local communities, with about one in four volunteering each year, according to surveys. This includes Farm Bureau farmer and rancher leaders, who serve on governing boards and committees at local, state and national levels.

Several newly appointed volunteers will provide leadership beginning in 2023 as farmer and rancher members of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Promotion & Education and Young Farmers & Ranchers committees.

“Engaging with consumers and elected leaders to build trust while sharing agriculture’s story and advancing leadership skills are important foundations of national program committee work,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We welcome these newly appointed Farm Bureau members.”

Duvall announced the appointment of the following members to the P&E Committee to two-year terms starting in April: Heidi Cooper, Massachusetts (turkeys, chickens, beef cattle, hogs and sheep); Julie Stephenson, Michigan (seed and commodity production of corn, soybeans and wheat, and fresh market produce); Nate Schlief, North Dakota (beef cattle, hay/feed); and Lynn Leahy, Wisconsin (potatoes). Alan Clark, Idaho (beef cattle, alfalfa, malt barley and wheat) was reappointed for a two-year term.

Ten individuals representing qualifying Farm Bureau Promotion & Education states make up the P&E Committee. Its mission is to develop and centralize resources that inspire and equip Farm Bureau to convey the significance of agriculture.

Duvall announced the appointment of the following members to the YF&R Committee for the 2023-2025 term beginning in February: Kevin Lussier, Florida (beef cattle, dairy cattle and cheese production); Kaylee Heap, Illinois (pumpkins, squash, gourds, flowers, mums, soybeans and corn); Joe and Katelyn Packard, Michigan (dairy cattle, corn, alfalfa, wheat and forage crops); Jason and Caitlin Keck, Minnesota (beef cattle, hay, corn, soybeans and produce); Andrew and Clarissa Cauthorn, Missouri (corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and beef cattle); Sophia Lilly, North Carolina (wine grapes, blueberries and figs); Jonathan and Alyssa Zucker, Ohio (corn and soybeans); and Ben and Haily Sand, Wisconsin (rye, corn, soybeans, sweet corn, pumpkins and squash).

The YF&R Committee is made up of 16 positions representing all regions of the U.S. An individual or couple may hold each committee appointment. Committee members are responsible for program planning, which includes the coordination of YF&R competitive events during AFBF’s convention each January, and the Harvest for All program.

National committee members are nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus. Learn more online: Promotion & Education and Young Farmers & Ranchers.

To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
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.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
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.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
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.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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