The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation is committed to inspire and educate the next generation of farmers, ensuring the progress and prosperity of Ohio's agriculture far into the future. We create pathways for young people to learn about the variety and viability of careers in agriculture. Through scholarships, programming and grants, the foundation builds a growing workforce of up-and-coming farmers who are passionate and prepared to grow Ohio's agricultural communities.
At the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, we believe that the key to a vital agricultural industry in the next decade—and countless decades beyond that—is helping young people understand all the growth opportunities agriculture offers.
Our work starts with what we call “ag literacy:” teaching students about agriculture and all the aspects of their lives that it impacts—whether it’s the milk they pour on their morning cereal or the wool sweater they grab when it’s chilly.
By helping young people gain ag literacy, we introduce them to the educational and employment possibilities related to farming. As they visit a tractor manufacturer, walk the rows at a biodynamic vineyard, or study heritage-breed chickens, they learn not only about the industry, but also about their own interests and purpose. They see that agriculture includes entomologists and engineers, pig ranchers and policy makers—and that it can include their aspirations and skills, too.
Through our work, the foundation inspires both the young people who will inherit the family farm, and those who will start their own entrepreneurial ventures. Those who love getting dirt on their hands, and those who love studying soil under a microscope. Those who want to climb into a combine, and those who want to climb the corporate ladder.
The foundation believes that every young person in Ohio has the potential to grow their
career in agriculture.
That’s why we need your help to grow the foundation’s potential.
To cultivate future generations of Ohio farmers, the foundation takes a
three-pronged approach to inspiring their interest in and commitment to agriculture.
week- and day-long immersion programs for high-school students. In ExploreAg, teens
learn about agriculture and related STEM fields from industry experts, scientists, and
educators.
Grants: We issue grants to nonprofit organizations and county Farm Bureaus that help young people embrace food, agriculture, and environmental careers, and to programs advancing agricultural education.
Please join the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation in supporting the farmers and ranchers of
tomorrow.
The Youth Pathways Grant for Careers in Agriculture is designed to help young people discover their purpose and passion in agricultural careers.
Learn MoreWe envision a future where tomorrow’s greatest leaders are passionate about and drawn to careers in agriculture.
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The 2025 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Invitational raised $115,000 for foundation scholarships, grants and programs that help enhance agricultural communities and support careers in agriculture.
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Shane Griffith, Sophia Aultman and Josie Jennings, received multiple awards. All have plans to pursue demanding ag careers.
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The foundation recognizes Ohio students for their academic effort, community engagement and career interests that link agriculture to community service, education or scientific research.
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The 2025 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Invitational takes place June 23 at Scioto Reserve Country Club in Powell. Tara Durbin is this year’s honoree.
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The grants aim to ensure that creative young farmers can access opportunities and use their skills to alleviate the difficulties facing agriculture today.
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The grants are designed to find creative ways to address challenges facing the agricultural sector today, and generate deeper public understanding of farming and the ways that agriculture impacts our nation and communities.
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The award is for students who are pursuing a certification, accreditation or a degree related to welding. Apply by March 31.
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Ohio Farm Bureau’s signature ag literacy and workforce development program offers free week, multiday and daylong immersion programs for high school students. Apply by June 13.
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Buckeye Local is pioneering a new standard in rural education innovation, merging physical infrastructure with curricular advancements to deepen students’ interest in agriculture and its extensive career options.
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Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation recently added four new board members and elected officers of its 14-member board, which oversees the charitable, nonprofit organization.
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