Growing our Generation: Dive in
The people you will meet, the experiences you gain will guide you for years to come, and the knowledge learned and networking will help you lead boards and communities.
Read More
As we round out another year, it is important to reflect on our accomplishments as we prepare to dive into the opportunities the new year will bring. Amanda Barndt, Wood County Farm Bureau president, is gearing up for another year of success as she serves as a voting delegate for the 2024 Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.
Amanda’s Farm Bureau journey began in 2016, and she has since grasped every opportunity to learn and lead. She has been on the Washington, D.C Leadership Trip, won a Murray Lincoln award for membership, has helped Wood County achieve multiple County Activities of Excellence Awards for outstanding programming, and is currently a member of AgriPOWER Class XV, Ohio Farm Bureau’s elite leadership program.
Why is it important to serve as an annual meeting delegate?
I am passionate about being involved in Farm Bureau as an annual meeting delegate because for the second year in a row, we have really important policy we are hoping to move forward. Last year, our policy on county and township road and bridge maintenance passed into the state policy book, and this year we are hoping our policy on proper height of installation of fiber optic lines will do the same. We really show our local communities that we hear them and are fighting for them when we can come back and have been able to get the policy passed at a state level and begin more strongly pushing it with our legislators.
Why do you believe in the grassroots policy?
I believe genuinely in the grassroots policy process. The policy is built from the ground up by gathering information locally, passing local policy and then passing it up to the state level so that we can guide our organization toward the future in solutions and protections. It’s never been a secret that farmers have to work together to make things happen and this just shows that our policy process is a matter of working together to make things happen.
What advice do you have for other YAP members as we begin a new year??
My advice to any YAP member or anyone just joining Farm Bureau is to really dive in. I highly recommend jumping in with both feet in and taking every experience you can. The people you will meet will be the best in the industry, the experiences you gain will guide you for years to come, and the knowledge learned through policy development, meetings, and networking will help you lead boards and communities. Our communities need you desperately and although it feels really intimidating when you don’t know what you don’t know, do not be afraid to just absorb any and all information you can by sitting in the meetings and talking to all of the industry leaders (they are not as intimidating as they seem!) Feel free to reach out to me to say hi, ask questions, or use me for resources! I’m happy to help!
Contact your local Farm Bureau to learn more about getting involved.
Involvement opportunities
- Local YAP groups
- County Farm Bureau boards
- Annual meeting policy delegate
- Ag Literacy Certification Volunteer
- AgriPOWER
- Collegiate Farm Bureau
- State YAP Committee
- AFBF YF&R Conference
- Ag Day at the Capital
- Washington, D.C Leadership Experience
- Winter Leadership Experience
- YAP Competitive events (Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture, Outstanding Young Farmer)
- AFBF YF&R National Committee
- Ohio Farm Bureau Board of Trustees
Ohio Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization that exists to protect our families and farms, but it all starts with us, the next generation of agriculturalists. It is important that we really dive into the opportunities to make a difference in our communities and use our collective voice to create and pass policies that govern our operations and heritage.
One way to dive into leadership and find your voice in 2025 is to attend the Winter Leadership Experience Feb. 7-8 at Kalahari Conventions & Resorts in Sandusky. The conference is open to members of all ages. You are encouraged to bring your family and friends to learn alongside industry professionals, find your voice and find your place in the organization.
Upcoming deadlines:
Winter Leadership Experience (Sandusky, Feb. 7-8). Register by Jan 21.
County Volunteer Ag Literacy Training (Feb. 17, Sharonville) Register by Feb. 2.
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
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.
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.
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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.
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.
Featured Articles
Growing our Generation: New YAP committee members share their why
State Committee members assist with creating educational and leadership development programs for Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals, specifically the Winter Leadership Experience, each year.
Read More
Growing our Generation: Agritourism and risk management
Bethany Schappacher, a Clinton County Farm Bureau member, and her family own Schappacher Farms, a 50-acre pumpkin farm featuring a corn maze, hayrides, fall treats and other family activities.
Read More
Growing our Generation: 2024 contest winners
Meet Abby Campbell, Sara Tallmadge, and Catherine Wolcott – Ohio’s Young Ag Professionals contestants who will compete at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in San Antonio.
Read More
Growing our Generation: Taking farm success to new heights
Growing our Generation enewsletter features insights and ideas directly from Ohio’s young farmers and food and agricultural professionals. Sign up…
Read More
Growing our Generation: 2024 Ohio State Fair
This year, the Land and Living Exhibit will be merging with the Little Farmers Exhibit to ensure that Ohio Farm Bureau and agriculture still have a presence outside of the livestock barns.
Read More
Growing our Generation: Celebrating June Dairy Month
Allowing people a sneak-peek into our farm is a way to break negative stigmas. ~ Mackenzie Deetz
Read More
Growing our Generation: Planting seeds to overcome generational differences
Learn more about how Jakob Wilson, a fourth-generation farmer, embraces the importance of generational differences in their farming operation while implementing new technologies to increase efficiency.
Read More
Growing our Generation: Grassroots advocacy
Ohio Farm Bureau provides opportunities, platforms and resources to help you develop your voice in the industry and give farmers a seat at the table with leaders and legislators.
Read More
Growing our Generation: Grain bin safety training could save a life
Farming is a very rewarding occupation, but it can come with hazardous territory if there are not proper training protocols in place.
Read More