By Andi Anderson
Fourteen agricultural leaders from across Ohio have graduated from the Ohio Farm Bureau’s AgriPOWER Institute Class XV, marking the completion of an intensive year-long leadership program dedicated to strengthening advocacy in agriculture.
Launched in 2008, the AgriPOWER Institute was designed to help farmers and agribusiness professionals gain the skills needed to effectively engage in public policy issues that shape their businesses and communities.
The Class XV graduates include Amanda Barndt of Bowling Green, Grace Baxter of Wooster, Kelsey Bezdek of Leroy, Johnathon Cottingim of Delaware, Hannah DiVencenzo of Grafton, Zachary Jones of Huron, Olivia Lang of Wooster, Taylor Mensing of Westerville, Rudi Pitzer Perry of New Vienna, Lucy Pullins Green of Bowling Green, William Ray of Zanesville, Emily Stevens of Tiffin, Alec Truckor of Metamora, and Kelly Warner of Harrod.
Throughout the program, participants gained training in leadership development, spokesperson skills, media relations, and social networking. They also explored how public policy decisions at local, state, national, and global levels influence the agricultural sector.
As part of the curriculum, participants traveled to Washington, D.C., to engage in policy discussions, and to California, where they explored diverse agricultural operations to compare farming systems across regions.
The program’s success was supported by numerous partners, including the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, Ohio Soybean Council, Certified Angus Beef, The Chef’s Garden, Farm Credit Mid-America, Healthy Harvest Organics, Hummel Group Insurance, and several county Farm Bureaus.
By cultivating informed, confident leaders, the AgriPOWER Institute continues to prepare the next generation of agricultural advocates who can represent Ohio’s farming community with strength and vision.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-aslan-alphan
Categories: Ohio, Education