Article

Growing our Generation e-newsletter features insights and ideas directly from Ohio’s young farmers and agricultural professionals. Sign up to get this e-letter sent directly to your inbox once a month.

Each year, the anniversary of 9/11 brings our nation together in remembrance of the tragedy that reshaped our country. We honor the sacrifices of the military personnel and first responders who helped rebuild a grieving nation, honoring their civic duty. 9/11 is now officially recognized as the National Day of Service and Remembrance. While we express gratitude to those who defend our nation, this milestone reminds us to recognize those who dedicate their time and effort to strengthening our communities as well. Serving on a local community board and serving in the military may seem like entirely different worlds, but both are tied to the same commitment: putting a purpose above self-interest.

Meet Joe Everett, a Shelby County Farm Bureau Young Ag Professional who has dedicated his life to service, both in uniform and within his local community.

About Joe

I’m a farmer, husband, dad and farm broadcaster from Shelby County, Ohio. I grew up on our family farm, and after spending six years in the U.S. Navy, I came back home to farm with my dad, uncle and cousin. I also work with Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net as a marketing specialist and farm broadcaster, so I get the best of both worlds by being able to farm while also telling the story of agriculture. I currently serve on the Shelby County Farm Bureau board, the Sidney-Shelby County Economic Partnership, the Pioneer Rural Electric County Board as the secretary, and the Shelby County Veterans Memorial Building Board of Trustees. Each one gives me a different opportunity to be involved, and I enjoy being able to bring a farmer’s perspective to the table while also learning from people with different backgrounds and experiences.

Life in the Navy

I served in the U.S. Navy for six years as an Electronics Technician Petty Officer Second Class aboard aircraft carriers the USS Roosevelt and USS Washington. I worked on shipboard air traffic control communications, helping provide the communication link between aircraft and the ship, and I also worked in high-frequency communications for ship-to-ship communication. In 2015, I deployed with the USS Roosevelt and got to see the world. It was an experience I’ll always remember and a great reminder of how grateful I am to be an American. One of the biggest things I took away from my time in the Navy was the friendships I made. When you spend that much time working and living alongside the same people, you build some pretty strong relationships that stick with you for the rest of your life. Being an electonics techinican came with a lot of responsibility, but it also taught me a lot about teamwork, problem-solving, and doing your part, not just for those back home but for the people around you.

Acts of service

For me, the biggest connection between the Navy and farming is the responsibility you have to the people around you. In the Navy, I learned that you have to be able to count on the people beside you, and they have to be able to count on you, no matter how long the day is or what challenges you run into. Farming is much the same way, especially when you’re working alongside family and depending on each other to get through planting, harvest and everything in between. Both have taught me that sometimes you have to put in the extra time, make sacrifices and do what needs to be done because other people are depending on you. Those lessons have stayed with me and are a big part of how I try to serve my family, my community and my country today.

I believe we all have a responsibility to leave our communities and our country better than we found them. My time in the military taught me that you are part of something bigger than yourself, and I think that carries over into farming and everyday life. My wife, Casey, and I are raising our kids around the farm, and it’s pretty special to watch them grow up doing some of the same things I did and hopefully develop that same love for agriculture. I want my kids to grow up seeing that service is important and understanding that helping others, being involved in your community and giving your time, is important and part of being a good citizen.

Ready to get involved?

The YAP program offers a variety of ways to connect, lead and serve!

Applications for the 2027 YAP Competitive Contests are open! Learn more about each contest or apply. Deadlines: Discussion Meet: Oct. 1, Outstanding Young Farmer and Excellence in Agriculture: Dec. 1.

2027 Winter Leadership Experience: Growing Connections, Shaping Legacy
Jan. 22-23
Greater Columbus Convention Center

Open to members of all ages. Free child care available; children must be pre-registered. Discounted early bird registration ends Dec. 15. Registration closes Jan. 5. For more information or to register, visit ofb.ag/WLE.

Ohio Farm Bureau is opening doors for young members by sponsoring five Young Ag Professional members’ registration, hotel, and travel to the AFBF FUSION Conference set to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana March 12-15, 2027. For more information or to apply, visit ofb.ag/AFBFscholar.

Curious about the diverse careers in agriculture? Learn more at one of Ohio Farm Bureau’s free ExploreAg fall camps for students entering grades 9-12! See a full list of camp descriptions and application deadlines.