State Young Agricultural Professionals Committee

State Committee members assist with creating educational and leadership development programs for Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals, specifically the Winter Leadership Experience each year. A total of eight positions are on the team, and a position may be filled by either a single individual or a married couple. Members serve a two-year term with four returning and four new positions each year.

Apply for the 2025-2027 committee by May 2, 2025. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and be an Ohio Farm Bureau member in good standing. All applicants will be notified by July 31, 2025 regarding the status of their application. The application link includes details about committee responsibilities, meeting dates and attendance. Please contact Mary Klopfenstein, mklopfenstein@ofbf.org with any questions. 

Local Young Ag Professionals Programming

County level Young Ag Professionals groups are meeting across the state. Each group’s activities are driven by those who participate, with some focusing on educational activities, some on social activities, and some combine both. Find out where these local groups are, and if there is not a group near you, contact your county Farm Bureau about starting one! 

Collegiate Farm Bureau

Collegiate students at Ohio State University, Wilmington College and Wright State University Lake Campus who are engaged and interested in the food and agriculture industry can join the Collegiate Farm Bureau. Collegiate Farm Bureau serves as a connection between current industry professionals and students, promotes agriculture and related fields and works to develop future leaders of the agriculture industry by providing opportunities for students in leadership and civic engagement, career development, professional development, and experiential learning.

Funding for local YAP and Collegiate Farm Bureaus

County Farm Bureau Young Ag Professionals groups and Collegiate Farm Bureau groups can obtain funding for local projects thanks to the generous support of Farm Credit Mid-America. Applications open in the fall. Recipients for the 2025 grants were announced at the Winter Leadership Experience.

Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Board of Directors

In 2020, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation created a 16th seat on its board of directors specifically created for an active Young Ag Professional member who has a passion for fundraising and is interested in further developing their leadership skills. This position is a one-year term as a voting member of the foundation board, with the opportunity to serve a second year as appointed by the Board of Directors.

Derek Snider, of Hardin County, is currently the YAP representative on the board.

American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers

Ohio Farm Bureau has been well represented at the national level with members on the YF&R Committee. Jonathan and Alyssa Zucker, from Marion County, are the most recent members to serve on the committee.