2026 Winter Leadership Experience

Early-bird registration is now open for the 2026 Young Agricultural Professionals’ Winter Leadership Experience, set for Jan. 23-24 at the Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark, Ohio. 

Hosted by Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals Committee, the Winter Leadership Experience is an opportunity for young ag professionals to sharpen personal and professional skills, network with agricultural leaders and learn to make a difference within their community, Farm Bureau and agriculture.

With the theme of “Harvesting New Horizons,” the 2026 WLE will have a focus on fresh ideas, bold conversations, and hands-on learning that will help participants push their farm, career, and leadership skills to new heights. Breakout sessions will include topics such as stress management, how to make tough business decisions, utilizing federal resources, and ways to build trust with consumers through social media. 

Participants of the 2026 Winter Leadership Experience will also hear from keynote speaker, Kiah Twisselman Burchett — better known as Coach Kiah. Through her personal story and the combination of wit, agriculture and vulnerability, Coach Kiah will help the audience feel empowered and provide tools to get through life’s discomfort.

In addition, WLE offers a Networking and Partnership Showcase and a night of entertainment for the whole family. More details around these events, along with the unique opportunities for kids at the conference, are forthcoming and will be published on the 2026 Winter Leadership Experience registration page.

Early-bird pricing for next year’s Winter Leadership Experience will end Dec. 17, 2025, with a final registration deadline of Jan. 6, 2026. Event details, session updates and registration are available at ofb.ag/WLE.

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].

Farm Bureau connections
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.
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Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
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.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
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Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Farm Bureau involvement
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.
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Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Select Partner Program
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.
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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
Advocacy
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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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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