By Andi Anderson
Mary Wilhelm of New Bavaria has successfully graduated from Ohio Farm Bureau’s AgriPOWER Class XIV, an esteemed leadership program designed to empower agricultural advocates.
Launched in 2008, AgriPOWER equips participants with skills to influence public policy and address issues impacting their businesses and communities.
Wilhelm serves as a nutrient management specialist with the Putnam County Soil & Water Conservation District and is the creator and coordinator of Women for the Land workshops in Putnam and surrounding counties.
Raised on her family’s dairy farm and orchard in Henry County, Wilhelm holds a degree in dairy science and agriculture business from Ohio State University.
Throughout the year-long program, participants learned from industry experts on how to be effective leaders and advocates for agriculture. They received training in public speaking, media engagement, and social networking.
AgriPOWER also delved into public policy at local, state, national, and global levels, including visits to Washington, D.C., where participants discussed agricultural issues with policymakers.
The class also toured diverse farming operations in Washington state, highlighting the similarities and differences in agricultural practices across the country.
AgriPOWER Class XIV was made possible through partnerships with organizations such as the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, Ohio Soybean Council, Farm Credit Mid-America, AgCredit, Legacy Farmers Cooperative, and more.
These collaborations help prepare participants like Wilhelm to be strong voices for agriculture in their communities and beyond.
Graduating from AgriPOWER has positioned Wilhelm as a key advocate for Ohio agriculture, ready to tackle the challenges facing the industry and make a positive impact on public policy and community engagement.
Photo Credit: ohio-farm-bureau
Categories: Ohio, General