LICKING COUNTY, Ohio – From managing her own Jersey herd at age 12 to serving in the Ohio Air National Guard and working as a nurse, Olivia Robinson brings a uniquely diverse perspective to her new role as organization director for the Guernsey, Morgan, Muskingum and Perry County Farm Bureaus.

The makeup of the farms in the four-county area is wide and varied, according to Robinson. “Lots of crop farming, animal husbandry, and even timber, because of the wooded acreage.”

Robinson started her own Jersey herd at age 12, and looking back at that early responsibility, she still carries what she learned about the business of farming to this day.

“I learned a lot of responsibility at a very young age – and the hardships of owning your own herd,” she said. “My first couple of rounds of calves actually didn’t make it. I learned right off the rip how hard farming truly can be. When I finally had a calf that grew up and was milking, it was so nice to see that reward. It taught me about the cycle of life and the ups and downs.”

Her love of Jersey cattle grew from a long family tradition, dating back generations.

“My great-great-grandparents had a Jersey farm,” Robinson said. “My great-grandma, grandma, and mom all had Jerseys and an undying love for them. I loved their temperament; they were like my puppy dogs.”

She grew up participating in 4-H and FFA in Licking County. That experience developed her values and her desire to help others.

“I’m still an adviser, and I love it,” she said. “I was shaped by my mentors, and I’ve always had a large desire to help shape the next generation.”

Her transition from student member to adviser and now to regional director allows her to work across generations.

“Now I get to work alongside my generation and those before me to help guide them with whatever they need,” she said. “I’ve been part of the Licking County Jersey 4-H Club since I was 9; it has a piece of my heart.”

Robinson’s six-year tenure in the National Guard exposed her to diverse groups of people and helped her develop leadership and problem-solving skills, which translate to the ag sector.

“Joining the military, you get thrown into such a diverse world of cultures and communities,” she said. “You learn how to adapt and work with multiple different personalities. No two farmers act or think the same, so having that wide variety of experience helps me when looking at multiple counties and farms.”

Working for five years as a nurse gives he some insight into rural wellness and mental health issues in her four-county area. She also works closely with the county mental health specialist.

“I work closely with Mattea Shockling, our agriculture navigator for Morgan and Guernsey counties, regarding mental health,” she said. “Having a nursing background – and having worked in assisted living – helps me bond with her and guide our members. They know they have someone who will listen to farming issues, but also family health issues, like a grandfather’s health deteriorating. They don’t have to feel alone.”

Her last job, a contract specialist for the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency, gives her a leg up when it comes to the legal aspects of her new job.

“I wrote contracts for the Navy,” Robinson said. “Reading and writing contracts helps with the ‘legal jargon.’ When counties want to write new policies or push things through to the government, it gives me an edge to help them do that.”

As the organization director for four counties, her main priority is getting the word out on what the farm bureau does.

“I posted on my personal Facebook asking what people knew about it, and it was very minimal unless they were already involved,” she said. “My goal is to open our events to the community so more people know we are here to support them.”

Spreading the Ohio Farm Bureau message any way she can is a must for Robinson.

“Face-to-face, word of mouth, social media, postcards, radio, and flyers at local restaurants,” she said. “Just any way we can get our name out there.”

Robinson’s involvement in what she calls a “hobby farm” helps her relate to what the situations farmers she meets face.

“It’s about balancing family life and farming,” she said. “For example, I know there is a big need for affordable meat right now, but the market is rough. I try to help connect people who want farm-fresh produce and beef with the farmers who have it.”

Looking into the future, Robinson feels that a successful first year in her new position means she has the full support of the people she represents and works for.

“More than anything, just to know that my boards are proud of the work I’ve done in helping their communities,” she said. “Knowing my board supports me and approves of the direction we’ve taken.”