Kameron Rinehart 2025 Excellence in Ag winner Ohio

Applications are being accepted for 2027 Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals competitive events, including the Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture, and Outstanding Young Farmer contests. 

Farm Bureau’s strength depends on its members’ abilities to evaluate and discuss agricultural and community issues and decide on solutions that best meet the needs of Ohio Farm Bureau members. These competitive events for young agricultural professionals ages 18-35 foster these opportunities as well as recognize outstanding members for their achievements in business and their communities.

Discussion Meet

The Discussion Meet is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a predetermined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.

Applications are due Oct. 1 and can be found at ofb.ag/DM.

Excellence in Agriculture

This award is designed to recognize successful young agricultural professionals (singles or couples) who are actively contributing and growing through their involvement with Farm Bureau and agriculture, but do not have the majority of their income subject to normal farm production risk. As part of the contest, the top three applicants will give a 25-minute presentation before a panel of judges.

Applications are due Dec. 1 and can be found at ofb.ag/EIA.

Outstanding Young Farmer

The Outstanding Young Farmer contest recognizes successful young farmers for achievements in the business of farming and leadership in the agricultural community. Ideal applicants are full-time farmers who have seen growth in their decision-making responsibility on the farm and/or have grown their stake in the business over time.

Applications are due Dec. 1 and can be found at ofb.ag/OYF.

Thanks to Nationwide and sponsor support from Farm Credit-Mid America, each state award winner receives a complimentary trip to the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to compete at the national level in 2028, an expense-paid trip to the 2027 Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, and a $3,000 cash prize. 

Thanks to the generosity of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and Ohio Soybean Council, finalists for each contest receive a complimentary registration for the 2027 YAP Winter Leadership Experience.

The Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals program provides leadership development and professional growth opportunities for Farm Bureau members ages 18-35. In addition to these contests, the program hosts the Winter Leadership Experience, a Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience and multiple opportunities for education and leadership development throughout the year. Learn more about the program at experienceyap.com.

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 Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected].

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

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.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

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.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

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.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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