Grow Skills at Winter Leadership Event

By Andi Anderson

Erie County Farm Bureau is encouraging its members to take part in the 2026 Winter Leadership Experience, an engaging two-day program designed to help individuals build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and explore new opportunities in agriculture. The event, called “Harvesting New Horizons,” will take place on January 23 and 24, 2026, at the Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark.

Registration for the event costs $175 per person, and members must complete their registration by January 6. Hotel accommodations are not included and must be booked separately by each attendee.

To support member participation, Erie County Farm Bureau is offering a limited sponsorship opportunity. The organization will reimburse members for half of their registration fee and half of their hotel cost once they attend the Winter Leadership Experience. This means that members must be present at the event to qualify for reimbursement, as attendance is required for approval.

The sponsorship will be given on a first come, first serve basis, encouraging members to register early. Erie County Farm Bureau has set aside a maximum budget of $1,000 to support this opportunity. Once a member registers, they must contact the Farm Bureau by emailing erie@ofbf.org or calling 440-877-0706 to confirm that sponsorship funds are still available.

The Winter Leadership Experience aims to bring together members from different counties, offering sessions focused on personal development, agricultural awareness, teamwork, and community leadership. It provides a valuable platform for farmers and students to learn from industry professionals and exchange ideas with fellow attendees.

Those who wish to participate can register online and secure their place before the deadline. This opportunity helps strengthen leadership within the agricultural community and supports members who want to grow their skills and contribute to the future of farming.

For more information or to register, members can visit the official Winter Leadership Experience page and begin planning their participation in this important event.

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