COLUMBUS, Ohio – Nine farmers and agribusiness professionals were selected to participate in Ohio Farm Bureau’s 13th AgriPOWER Institute.

The program, sponsored by the farm bureau, is designed for those who want to become effective leaders and advocates for agriculture in the state. The eight-month program focuses on public policy issues confronting agriculture and the food industry such as consumer relations, regulations, energy and trade policies. The individuals who were selected learn from experts in these fields.

The 13th gathering is under way and involves seven sessions. It concludes March 17-18, 2023.

“Specific sessions will help class members develop important skills necessary to become an effective leader and advocate for agriculture,” said Melinda Witten, AgriPOWER director. “But it’s much more than leadership training. Class members bond with each other as they share their experiences in the workplace, community and home.

“People also apply for this AgriPOWER class because they want to improve understanding of current issues affecting them and their agricultural community. This program is great for anyone with a passion for agriculture who is interested in the political process. One just needs to commit the time necessary to participate in the program.”

Tuition is $4,500 per person. Tuition includes lodging, meals, breaks, group travel and all course material. Ohio Farm Bureau launched this course in 2008.

“I enjoy working with the program,” Witten said. “It’s just so great to see everyone engaging and interacting with one another and in the long run they take many things from this program.”

During the opening session in Columbus, Ohio, (July 8-9) participants got to know Ohio Farm Bureau a little bit better. Attendees engaged in leadership development, personal strength finder assessment and public speaking training.

During the second session (Aug. 11-13), the group convened to learn of the power and role of the media, learned of spokesperson training and the changing nature of communications, social media and learned of Ohio trade and export issues.

Session No. 3 (Sept. 11-13), the group will head to Washington, D.C., to better understand national and global affairs. There they will learn of the power of organizations, farm bureau’s process, national and international issues, trade, demographics and federal government issues.

During Session No. 4 (Nov. 17-18), the group will return to Columbus and take a close look at state government, working with statewide elected officials to better understand politics and etiquette.

During Session No. 5 (Dec. 16-17) the group will dive into issues and topics facing Ohio agriculture today and in the future.

During Session No. 6 (Feb. 16-19), they will take an out-of-state agriculture tour where they will explore current issues in food, agriculture and the environment in another state. They will gain a first-hand perspective of agricultural facilities, businesses and farm bureau’s role in another state, exploring ways for farm bureaus to work together.

The final session (March 17-18) will be held in Columbus. There they will learn of service opportunities that will lead to engagement in agricultural organizations, local organizations and Ohio Farm Bureau.

Previous participants of AgriPOWER have come from all parts of Ohio with a variety of ag industry backgrounds, and this year is no different.

This year’s participants are:

- Emily Buehler, of Columbus, is a member of Franklin County Farm Bureau. She is a loan officer for Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1sts.

- Renee Hamilton, of Mechanicsburg, is a member of the Champaign County Farm Bureau and is a beef and product management specialist for Select Sires.

- Heidi Breyley, of Wellington, is a member of Lorain County Farm Bureau. She helps support two family farms as well as working fulltime at BASF Corporation.

- Katherine Share, of Columbus, is a member of Franklin County Farm Bureau and is a business administrator at Ohio Farm Bureau.

- Adam Shawhan, of South Charleston, is a member of Greene County Farm Bureau and an 11th generation farmer who grew up working on his family’s farm.

- Stefanie Richardson, of Medina, is a member of Medina County Farm Bureau and is the Farm Market manager for Richardson Farms. She serves on the board of Main Street Medina.

- Kayla Weaver, of Upper Sandusky, is a member of Wyandot County Farm Bureau and is owner and principal agent for Crossroads Crop Insurance in Upper Sandusky.

- Kris Weisner, of Gambier, is a member of Knox County Farm Bureau. He grew up on a beef operation and owns his own farm, where he produces hay and chickens.

- Amanda Bush, of Edison, is executive assistant for communications with Ohio Farm Bureau and a fifth-generation farmer. She is also a board adviser for the Morrow County Junior Fair.

“Humbling is the one word I would use to describe my experience in the AgriPOWER program,” said Lindsay Schwinn, an AgriPOWER Class X participant. “It has brought about many new experiences, new friends and a ton of knowledge. I truly believe that the lack of education about agriculture to the general public, at no fault of their own, is scary for the industry’s future. Becoming an advocate for agriculture starts with educating yourself first, and then becoming a proud influence.”

Chris Kick, a Class VII participant, said, “If you’re looking for a program to take you to the next step in your ag career you should consider AgriPOWER. You’ll be surprised how much you learn from the speakers and farmers, and also about yourself and the people around you.”