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Brandie Finney of Crawford County is the editor of the May 2023 Growing our Generation enewsletter, featuring insights and ideas directly from Ohio’s young farmers and food and agricultural professionals. She joined Farm Bureau in 2015 and joined the Crawford County Farm Bureau board of trustees and now serves as vice president.

Finney grew up on a farm raising livestock from cattle and hogs to sheep. She and her children currently raise club lambs on their B.A. Livestock operation. She is a full-time butcher assistant at Center Street Meat Company in Bucyrus, Ohio and a part time-wedding coordinator.

What led you to join your county Young Ag Professionals group?

Being highly involved in county fairs, I had a lot of friends/family who suggested joining Farm Bureau and going to Young Agricultural Professionals events. There were a lot of friends around my age that shared their experiences, and I wanted to give it a try. I went to one annual meeting and was hooked! From local YAP events to state YAP conventions, I have made so many rewarding connections over the years and relationships that will last a lifetime! 

What advice would you give someone thinking about joining a YAP group? 

Don’t think, just do! It’s a chance to share your story and have your voice be heard. The more involvement we have as farmers in our local YAP and Farm Bureau organizations makes for a powerful impact in the agricultural Industry!  

What is something you are proud of that your YAP group or county Farm Bureau has accomplished?

Our county Farm Bureau won a County Activities of Excellence Award this year, for our farm safety awareness campaign, and we were able to travel to Puerto Rico for the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention to accept our award, along with 13 other counties from Ohio! 

Throughout your time as a Farm Bureau member, how have your leadership skills grown and developed?

I have learned to organize and be creative in coming up with new ideas to get all ages involved with agriculture. We try to improve our events every year to help benefit in the best way in getting more people involved in our “WHY.”

What are you looking forward to this year with your Young Ag Professionals group?

I’m looking forward to growing our membership and making more connections! It’s amazing how just talking to someone with the same interests as you can help shape you into the person you want to be. Hearing from other YAP members and their stories is really eye opening and may change your way of thinking to help benefit you and your farm/business. I am beyond thankful for all the friends I have made over the years from this developing organization! 

Summer gatherings

If you are interested in learning more about how you can be involved in your local YAP group, the State YAP Committee will be hosting five regional summer gatherings to create connections in addition to the great programs already being offered. These gatherings were created to enhance the grassroots opportunities for anyone 18-35 by utilizing relationships and connections within the industry and strengthening their membership value with the Ohio Farm Bureau. These gatherings are family-friendly and will include light refreshments. There is no cost to attend. Please RSVP by July 14.

Register

Upcoming Events/Deadlines

• AFBF Farm Dog of the Year applications are due July 14. 
• Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Invitational registration deadline is June 16. Register
• AgriPOWER Class XIV applications are due Aug. 1. Learn more