Members of Ohio’s food and farm community are invited to the 2016 Farm and Food Leadership Forum. The event is for those with a desire to build leadership ability, develop business skills and network with community professionals. The event, open to the public, is hosted by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and takes place the day prior to the organization’s annual meeting. Reservations can be made through local county Farm Bureau offices.

Those who will benefit from the conference include farmers, agribusiness professionals, animal breeders, agritainment operators and others with a connection to food and farming.

Nationally recognized speakers include Michele Payn of Cause Matters who will talk about using social media to your advantage; Tim Hodges, the Gallup Education Practice, who will discuss developing individual strengths; and Mark Levin, an expert on building membership organizations. Other topics include identifying the best health care options for small employers, communicating agriculture’s message, and agribusiness insurance solutions.

Along with educational sessions, a Community Showcase will feature exhibits from leading Farm Bureau business partners such as Nationwide, Grainger, Sherwin-Williams and two of Ohio Farm Bureau’s newest benefit providers, Rocky Brands/Lehigh Outfitters and Member Savings Advantage. Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Ag Professionals group will also host two rounds of the Discussion Meet competition.

Registration is $75 per person, which includes lunch. Reservations are due Nov. 16. Brochure and map 

Agenda

All activities take place at the Columbus Convention Center, Exhibit Hall C

8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Registration Open

8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Community Showcase & OFFLF Sessions
Trade show, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Silent Auction, Presentations

8:45 – 9:30 a.m Ohio Farm Bureau – Discussion Meet (Round 1)

9:35 – 10:35 a.m. OFBF Health Benefits Plan
Identifying the Best Plan for Your Small Business

10:40 – 11:40 a.m. Farming Your Online Community
Using Social Media to Your Advantage, Michele Payn – Cause Matters

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Minute to Win It
Farmers making a difference in less than 60 seconds
Advocacy Panel

12:35 – 2 p.m. Leadership Luncheon/Networking
Tim Hodges, Ph.D, Director of Research, Gallup

2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Ohio Farm Bureau – Discussion Meet (Round 2)

3:20 – 4:20 p.m. Growing Your County Farm Bureau
Membership Sales Techniques, Mark Levin, B.A.I. Inc.

4:25 – 5:25 p.m. Protecting Your Farm & Business
Commercial Agribusiness Insurance, Jerry Hillard, Nationwide Agribusiness