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  • Presenters and Breakout Session Descriptions
  • Community

    Winter Leadership Experience Presenters and Breakout Sessions

    Choose from session topics including business decision-making, leadership, farm finances and succession planning, health care, marketing, grants, and stress management.


     

    Friday, Jan. 22

    Udder Chaos – Anchored in Faith, Staying Connected
    Dan Venteicher, the IowaDairyFarmer
    Through cancer, losing his mother, a farm accident that nearly took his father’s life, and the everyday chaos of agriculture, Dan shares an honest story of hardship, connection, and continuing to move forward. Along the way, he reflects on the relationships, faith, and sense of purpose that have helped him stay connected through it all.

    Saturday, Jan. 23 

    Sessions are listed in alphabetical order.

    Building Connection Through Social Media
    Dan Venteicher, the IowaDairyFarmer
    With more than 2.5 million followers across social media, Dan has learned that people are not looking for polished perfection–they want honesty and transparency. In this session, he shares how farmers can use real stories, everyday moments, and open conversations to build trust and connect consumers with the people behind their food.

    Data Centers and What They Mean for Agriculture
    Leah Curtis, Ohio Farm Bureau
    In this breakout, we will discuss the state of data center development across Ohio and the concerns raised by agriculture and rural communities. This session will also provide background on development and legal procedures.

    Exploring Agricultural Diversification – Building a Sustainable Future
    Discover practical ways to stay competitive and profitable in agriculture without expanding in size. This interactive breakout session will explore diversification strategies that help operations grow smarter, not just bigger. Attendees will join topic-specific groups to ask questions, share experiences, and gain insight from both peers and industry experts.

    Farm Policy Outlook
    Brian Glenn, American Farm Bureau Federation
    What are the top issues impacting rural America? Hear from Brian Glenn on American Farm Bureau Federation’s Government Affairs Team as he presents a farm policy outlook and issue update regarding Farm Bureau priorities. Get an update on priorities and actions taken by Congress and the Trump 47 administration and a preview of upcoming potential regulatory and congressional activities in 2027.

    From Today to Tomorrow: Preparing Financially for Whatever’s Next
    Micah Mensing, Farm Credit Mid-America
    At Farm Credit Mid-America, we understand that your operation is more than a business, it’s your legacy. This session will focus on the broader financial considerations that come with buying a farm, expanding it and finally, passing it on. We’ll discuss trends we’re seeing across agriculture, common planning gaps, and opportunities to strengthen your operation’s readiness for the future.

    Grain Marketing 101
    Bailey Elchinger, StoneX
    Learn the basics of what goes into a grain marketing plan.

    Grain Marketing 102
    Bailey Elchinger, StoneX
    Take the next steps in your grain marketing plan with more advanced tools and ideas.

    How Young Ag Leaders Build Influence Early
    Presented by Nationwide
    Want to grow as a leader in agriculture but not sure where to start? Join this panel discussion to hear how young ag professionals can build influence early through community involvement, advocacy, leadership opportunities, and meaningful industry connections. You’ll leave with practical ideas for stepping up, standing out, and turning participation into real leadership momentum.

    Making the Jump Back to the Farm: A Panel of Young Farmers
    This panel explores the decision and transition of returning to the family farm- or taking the leap into ag as a first generation farmer. Panelists will share their personal journeys, including the opportunities, challenges, and financial/family dynamics that come with building a future in production ag. Attendees will gain insight into how to navigate the transition, find their role, and set themselves up for long-term success in farming.

    Modern Hay & Straw Production: Building a Sustainable Operation
    Join a panel of experienced hay and straw producers as they share what’s working in their operations, lessons learned through challenges, and how they’re building sustainable businesses for the future. Topics will include cost of production, marketing strategies, high-capacity small square balers, emerging technologies, and innovations that can improve efficiency and profitability. Bring your questions and take advantage of this interactive discussion designed to provide practical takeaways for producers at every stage of their operation.

    Ohio Livestock Outlook
    Join leaders from the major livestock commodity groups for a rapid-fire update on current market trends, economic indicators, and emerging regulatory insights to help you position your operation for success.

    Own the Room, Own Your Story: Building Your Brand & Presence as a Leader
    Emily Sword, Inspire PR
    Whether you’re a first-time leader or looking to expand your influence, how you show up matters just as much as what you do—your presence, communication, and confidence shape your credibility and opportunities. This session will help you define a clear personal brand and strengthen your executive presence so you can lead with confidence in any setting. You’ll leave with practical strategies to communicate your value, build trust, and show up with clarity and influence when it matters most.

    The Drone Dividend: Industry Insiders on Capitalizing on Aerial Innovation
    Discover the cutting-edge role of drones in modern farming through this comprehensive panel bringing together local industry experts to talk drone production, risk management, and entrepreneurial endeavors.

    The Profitable Steward: Building a Regenerative Farm Business That Lasts
    Jared Sorensen, The Profitable AgSteward
    Many farmers and ranchers are improving soil health and livestock performance but still struggle with profitability, cash flow, and long-term sustainability. In this practical and inspiring session, Jared Sorensen will share key principles for building a regenerative agricultural business that creates healthy land, healthy finances, and a lasting legacy. Participants will leave with actionable ideas to improve profitability, strengthen stewardship, and create a business that serves both their family and their purpose.

    Where Medicine Meets Agriculture: The First Five Minutes That Matter Most
    Katie Hammock, The Dairy Wife
    Farm families are often the first responders when tragedy happens on the farm. In this session, Katie Hammock — ER nurse, farm wife, and agricultural safety educator — shares powerful lessons from both the emergency room and real-life farm experiences to help families feel more prepared when every second counts. Attendees will leave with practical tools, greater confidence, and a better understanding of how the first five minutes of an emergency can change everything.

    Your Farm, Your Story: Connecting People to Agriculture
    Christi Bachman, Ohio Farm Bureau Ag Literacy
    Thinking about using your farm to educate others about agriculture? Learn simple, practical ways to welcome your community, share your story, and create meaningful agriculture education experiences.

    View All

    Featured Articles

    Winter Leadership Experience scholarships available

    Join us at the 2027 Ohio Farm Bureau Winter Leadership Experience at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on Jan. 22 and 23, 2027!

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    Winter Leadership Experience scholarships available

    Join us at the 2027 Ohio Farm Bureau Winter Leadership Experience at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on Jan. 22 and 23, 2027!

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    Growing our Generation: A life of service

    Meet Joe Everett, a Shelby County Farm Bureau Young Ag Professional who has dedicated his life to service, both in uniform and within his local community.

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    Ag Toy Drive 2026

    Join us Nov. 26 for this family-friendly event. We only ask that you consider bringing a new agricultural-related toy or a cash donation to help our cause.

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    YAP, AgriPOWER take advocacy to Washington 

    The groups received a firsthand look at agricultural policy, advocacy and leadership in the nation’s capital.

    Read More
    2027 American Farm Bureau FUSION Conference scholarships available

    Each of the five scholarships covers the cost of registration, hotel accommodations, and travel to the 2027 AFBF FUSION Conference. Eligible Young Ag Professionals should apply by Dec. 1.

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    Growing our Generation: imAGine Ag intern team insights

    The 75,000 square foot ImAGine Ag exhibit made its debut at the 2026 Ohio State Fair in the new Ohio Agriculture Center, giving thousands of visitors a hands-on, interactive learning experience. 

    Read More
    Early-bird registration for 2027 Winter Leadership Experience now open

    Early-bird pricing for the conference will end Dec. 15, 2026, with a final registration deadline of Jan. 5, 2027. Event details, session updates and registration are available at ofb.ag/WLE.

    Read More
    YAP Fall Fun Day

    Crawford, Marion, Morrow and Richland County Young Ag Professionals invite you and your family to a Young Ag Professionals Fall Fun Day at Goodman Family Farms in Mt. Gilead.

    Read More
    Applications open for 2027 YAP competitive events

    Ohio Farm Bureau is accepting applications for the Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture, and Outstanding Young Farmer 2027 contests. 

    Read More
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    Featured Events

    Oct 19, 2026 | 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
    2026 Hocking County Annual Meeting
    View Event
    Oct 19, 2026 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Land Rights | Data Center Informational Session
    View Event
    Oct 20, 2026 | 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Fall YF&R Connect Call
    View Event
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    Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is a member of American Farm Bureau Federation®, a national organization of farmers and ranchers including Farm Bureau® organizations in 49 other states and Puerto Rico, and is responsible for Farm Bureau membership and programs within the State of Ohio. Ohio Farm Bureau Federation programs and services are available only to Farm Bureau members within Ohio. The political views expressed in these pages represent Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's positions on various issues as they relate to Ohio. The positions of the national Farm Bureau organization collectively are expressed through American Farm Bureau Federation. Any opinions, statements or views expressed through comments or by outside contributors are the express views of those individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

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    Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is a member of American Farm Bureau Federation®, a national organization of farmers and ranchers including Farm Bureau® organizations in 49 other states and Puerto Rico, and is responsible for Farm Bureau membership and programs within the State of Ohio. Ohio Farm Bureau Federation programs and services are available only to Farm Bureau members within Ohio. The political views expressed in these pages represent Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's positions on various issues as they relate to Ohio. The positions of the national Farm Bureau organization collectively are expressed through American Farm Bureau Federation. Any opinions, statements or views expressed through comments or by outside contributors are the express views of those individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

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