AgriPOWER Class IX graduation

Twenty-three agricultural leaders and advocates from around Ohio recently graduated from Ohio Farm Bureau’s AgriPOWER Institute Class IX. Started in 2008, AgriPOWER was created to help farmers and agricultural professionals gain influence over public policy issues that impact their businesses and communities.

Class IX graduates are John Arnold, Jr. of Springboro; JD Bethel of Mechanicsburg; Steve Brunner of Stockdale; Jess Campbell of Waynesville; Philip Cobb of Helena; Kristen Dickey of Napoleon; Casey Ellington of Louisville; Candace Lease of Apple Creek; Melinda Lee of Tipp City; Megan Lezzer of Wooster; Kirsten Marihugh of Columbus; Brenda Mescher of Maria Stein; Jackie Mosier of Haviland; Marissa Mulligan of Groveport; Jonah Neill of Waterford; Brittany Nemeth of Wellington; Brian Palmer of Dresden; Craig Pohlman of Venedocia; Eric Reed of Dresden; Stephanie Rucinski of Columbus; Stacey Sark of Orient, Terri Specht of Johnstown and Micaela Wright of Arcanum.

During the yearlong leadership training program, AgriPOWER participants developed key skills to help them become better leaders and advocates for the agricultural industry, including spokesperson and media training, etiquette training, social networking and communications. Two of the sessions took place in Washington, D.C. and Florida.

In addition to Ohio Farm Bureau, AgriPOWER partners include Bayer Crop Science, Champaign Premium Grain Growers, Farm Credit Mid-America, Heritage Cooperative, Mid-Ohio Development Exchange, Nationwide Insurance, Ohio Beef Council, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, Ohio Pork Council, Pickaway Progress Partnership, Redline Equipment, Rider Landing, Ron Spencer Real Estate, Stark County Cattlemen’s Association, Southern Ohio Agricultural & Community Development Foundation, Wyatt Insurance and Farm Bureaus in Franklin, Mercer, Muskingum, Pickaway, Stark and Warren counties.

Applications are now being accepted for AgriPOWER Class X. Deadline to apply is April 20. To apply and learn more about Ohio Farm Bureau’s elite training program, visit ofbf.org/agripower.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Joe Cornely, 614-246-8230.

 

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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