FINDLAY, Ohio — A new Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter has been established at the University of Findlay, creating opportunities for students to connect with Ohio ‘s agricultural industry, develop leadership skills and prepare for careers in food and agriculture.

 The student-led organization held its first meeting earlier this year, drawing more than 30 attendees and generating interest across campus, particularly through the school’s faculty and animal science program.

“The launch of a Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter at Findlay is an exciting step in strengthening the pipeline of future agricultural leaders,” said Katie Share, ExploreAg and youth development specialist with Ohio Farm Bureau. “These students are gaining real-world connections and experiences that will serve them well as they head into careers that support Ohio agriculture. This is a generation that’ll bring in new ideas, and we want to keep them interested in staying in the ag field. Collegiate Farm Bureau a great personal and professional tool.”

University of Findlay, with a total enrollment of 4,800, is the fourth college or university in Ohio to have a Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter. Many of the students at Findlay are engaged in agriculture, animal, plant or veterinary science studies.

 The first Collegiate Farm Bureau in the state was formed at Ohio State University in 1919. Ohio State University currently has 40 Collegiate Farm Bureau members. Wright State University’s Collegiate Farm Bureau (now known as the Collegiate Young Farmers) was established in 2014 at the university’s Lake Campus. Wilmington College formed its Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter four years ago. Agriculture is the largest major at Wilmington College. There are currently 40 members of the school’s Collegiate Farm Bureau.

 “We created the Findlay Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter to give students a voice in their agriculture community and to provide a platform for our members to interact with agriculture leaders,” said Graclyn Heider, the chapter’s president. “This program will be incredibly valuable to the University of Findlay by connecting students to real-world agricultural issues, building strong networks and preparing us to advocate for the future of the industry.”