By Andi Anderson
The Erie County Farm Bureau is offering an opportunity for its members to take part in a valuable professional development event designed for young agricultural leaders.
The organization will sponsor a limited number of members who plan to attend the 2026 Winter Leadership Experience, themed “Harvesting New Horizons.” The event will take place on January 23 and 24, 2026, at the Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark.
Registration for the Winter Leadership Experience is $175 per person and will remain open until January 6. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own hotel accommodations.
The event is expected to bring together young professionals from across the region to build leadership skills, expand networks, and learn more about opportunities in modern agriculture.
To receive sponsorship from the Erie County Farm Bureau, members must attend the event so that their reimbursement can be approved. The sponsorship covers half of the registration fee and half of the hotel cost, which will be reimbursed after participation is verified.
This support aims to reduce financial barriers and encourage greater involvement among young and emerging leaders in agriculture.
Sponsorships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and the county Farm Bureau has allocated a maximum of $1,000 to support interested members. Given the limited funding, early registration and prompt communication with the Farm Bureau are recommended.
Members who wish to attend can register online through the event portal. After registering, participants must notify the Erie County Farm Bureau by emailing erie@ofbf.org or calling 440-877-0706 to confirm sponsorship availability and secure approval.
This initiative highlights the Farm Bureau’s ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders. By helping young professionals access leadership training and networking experiences, the organization continues to strengthen community engagement and professional development within the agricultural sector.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle