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This past fall, we asked members to tell us how, when and why they became members of Ohio Farm Bureau. Several obliged and took that trip down memory lane, sharing with us the details of how their Farm Bureau story began.

I went to Farm Bureau Youth Camp in 1985 and got a taste of Farm Bureau. I then worked with the county Farm Bureau youth program and eventually became an advisor. At that time, there were three membership leaders in Trumbull County, with my mom being one, and it was always a competition to see who could sign the most, just like today. With the Women’s Committee back then, it truly was a competition. I don’t think I was allowed to leave the house until I signed up that year. That is truly how my Farm Bureau life began. – Marsha Stanhope, Trumbull County 

In 2019, I decided I would like to be more involved in a farm organization that promotes agriculture. So, I signed up at the Farm Science Review that year. Near the end of that year, I was asked about serving on our county board and said yes. I believe it is important to educate everyone on where their food comes from and how it’s produced. Farm Bureau does that as well as many, many other things. We all need to be involved and speak up because people can be blindsided with bad and misleading information. I enjoy being a presenter every year at our Pike County Fairgrounds for all of our third graders. Agriculture affects everyone! If you eat, agriculture is important to you. I find it a great honor and pleasure to serve on the Pike County Farm Bureau board. – Michael Cuckler, Pike County

I became a Farm Bureau member when Jessica Dragnic and Lisa Peterson asked me to help with the annual Farm to Fork Dinner in Fayette County. After a year of volunteering, I was elected to the Fayette County Farm Bureau board, where I served for eight years, eventually becoming vice president and then president. One simple ask led me to a lifelong commitment to this organization and advancing our mission. It was one of the easiest decisions I have ever made because I was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA as an older youth and knew I wanted to be a member of Ohio Farm Bureau. The Ohio Farm Bureau offers the perfect transition when you age out of youth organizations, allowing you to continue growing in your personal and professional development in agriculture. – Kameron Rinehart, Ph.D., Fayette County 

I became a Farm Bureau member because I was looking to stay involved in local agriculture after the 4-H and FFA days had come to an end and college clubs were winding down. I was looking for an organization where I could continue to advocate for agriculture and be involved in local happenings. I very quickly found out there was so much more that Farm Bureau offered. I jumped in with two feet and took every opportunity thrown my way. I was soon serving on my county board and went from secretary to president and loved every second of continuing to represent and now serve my community. We were able to get policy developed at the state level all three years that I was serving as president which really shows the grassroots foundation of Farm Bureau. I have recently graduated from AgriPower Class XV, and I am excited to now continue my service at the state level on the Policy Development Committee as well as the Young Ag Professionals Committee. The goal has stayed the same – serve, represent and advocate for my home county (Wood County) to ensure farming and agriculture practices can continue for generations to come. – Amanda Barndt, Wood County

I became a Farm Bureau member shortly after graduating high school, as I was beginning my college journey. Growing up in the agricultural industry, I regularly attended county Farm Bureau events with my family, which gave me a strong appreciation for the organization and its impact on our agricultural community. During my senior year, I was honored to receive my county’s Farm Bureau scholarship, which further inspired me to get involved. That experience ultimately led me to join The Ohio State University Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter, where I officially became a Farm Bureau member. Now I get to serve on my county’s board and continue my involvement in this awesome grassroots organization. – Morgan Meyer, Shelby County