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Ohio Farm Bureau members ages 18-34 who are interested in developing their leadership skills and enhancing programming for their peers should apply for the 2025-2027 Young Agricultural Professionals State Committee.

Application deadline is May 3, 2024 at 5 p.m.

The state committee is composed of eight members or couples who suggest, develop and conduct activities that provide networking, social and learning opportunities for young farmers and ag professionals, including planning the yearly leadership experience and hosting Young Agricultural Professionals in a variety of in- and out-of-state events.

Committee members serve a two-year term that begins in September 2024 and expires two years later after the Young Ag Professionals Leadership Experience in January. Four new couples or singles are appointed each year. Members serve a two-year term with four returning and four new positions each year.

Eligibility:

• Between the ages of 18 and 34 and not have reached 34th birthday before Dec. 31, 2024.
• Current Ohio Farm Bureau member and active in county Farm Bureau.
• Individuals or couples may apply. Couples must be a union recognized by the state.
• Past participant in one or more of the following Young Agricultural Professionals activities: an Ohio Farm Bureau YAP Leadership Experience, Washington, D.C. Leadership Trip, or a Young Agricultural Professionals contest applicant.
• From a county not currently represented on the committee (Hancock, Franklin, Lucas and Shelby County members are ineligible). 
• Ineligible applicants include previous YAP State Committee members and current AgriPOWER Institute participants. Current employees of Ohio Farm Bureau and any County Farm Bureau office are ineligible to apply. If selected to serve on the YAP State Committee, you are not eligible to participate in the YAP award contests until you retire from the committee. 

Commitment:

Members are expected to be present at all meetings and activities conducted by this team. The Class of 2027 committee term will begin Sept. 15, 2024 and conclude in February 2027. Anticipated committee meetings are as follows: July 15 and Aug. 5 (New Member Onboarding), Sept. 15, Dec. 12-13, Feb. 6-8 (Winter Leadership Experience). Committee members also have the opportunity to travel to the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in January 2026 and Washington D.C in September 2026.

Application process

Virtual applicant interviews will occur May 21 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Interview appointments will be scheduled the week prior to the interview date. All applicants will be notified by July 31, 2024 regarding the status of their application. 

Applications are due to Mary Klopfenstein, by May 3, 2024 at 5 p.m. Please contact Mary or Melinda Witten for more information.

Online extras

The 2024-2025 state committee members introduce themselves and their goals for the committee.

Emily Warnimont from Hancock County explains how her earlier involvement in Farm Bureau spurred her interest in serving on the state committee.