Twenty-four farmers and agribusiness professionals recently graduated from Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s AgriPOWER Institute Class VIII. Started in 2008, AgriPOWER is an intensive, yearlong leadership training program that helps participants develop important skills so they can become effective community leaders and advocates for agriculture. Over the course of the year, they learned about local, state and federal public policy topics important to the agricultural and food industry. Sessions took place in Ohio, Washington, D.C. and Georgia.

Several class members shared their experiences, what they learned and how they grew personally and professionally as a member of AgriPOWER Class VIII. Applications for Class IX are due April 14, 2017.

Linda Ayers-Louiso, AgriPOWER: One of the greatest leadership events I have experienced

Nate Bair, Developing the next generation of leaders

Ryan Conklin, Fun, but not done

Paul Dorrance, What I found at Ohio Farm Bureau surprised me

Jessica Draganic, Focusing on our strengths

Charlie Ellington, Advocate for agriculture

Tracy Emrick, A rich, valuable experience

Britta Fenstermaker, Coming together to promote agriculture

Jerri Furness, Grassroots is the heart of Farm Bureau

Bennett Musselman, Taking an in-depth look at ourselves, agriculture

Rita Myers, Building on my ag background

Racine Ramsey, Various student viewpoints welcome

Jan Shannon, Building unity in agriculture

Macy Staggs, Standing up for agriculture, with confidence

J.D. Winteregg, The power of networking

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.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
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.
Matt Aultman's avatar
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.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
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.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
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.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
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.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
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.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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