By Andi Anderson
The Ohio Farm Bureau’s ImAGine Ag internship program provided valuable learning opportunities for students while helping thousands of visitors learn more about agriculture during the 2026 Ohio State Fair. The program supported the debut of the 75,000-square-foot ImAGine Ag exhibit at the new Ohio Agriculture Center, offering hands-on experiences and interactive agricultural education.
The inaugural intern team included Delaney Bell of Muskingum County, Leila Jacox of Warren County, Aidan Stammen of Franklin County, and Katie Woodruff of Huron County. Throughout the summer, the interns worked closely with Ohio Farm Bureau staff, engaged with fairgoers, and helped share the story of Ohio agriculture.
Speaking about the experience, Leila Jacox, Ohio Farm Bureau ImAGine Ag Intern, said, “Watching fairgoers enter into the building with a sense of awe and excitement emphasized just how special the exhibit is. It filled me with a sense of pride, knowing that everyone who walked through our tunnels was entering into a small piece of the agricultural world and learning about the backbone of the Ohio State Fair.”
Interns highlighted several professional and personal benefits gained through the program. They developed skills in communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, leadership, event planning, and public engagement. Many noted that the experience increased their confidence and strengthened their passion for agricultural advocacy.
The interns also emphasized the importance of Ohio Farm Bureau’s presence at the state fair. They believe the event provides a valuable opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds and educate them about food production, farming practices, and agriculture’s role in everyday life.
The ImAGine Ag exhibit served as a bridge between consumers and producers by offering interactive activities that helped visitors better understand where their food, fiber, and fuel originate. Through hands-on learning experiences, fairgoers gained insight into modern agriculture and the people who make it possible.
The internship program was also recognized for helping students understand effective agricultural communication. Participants learned how to develop meaningful messages, engage with the public, and explain complex agricultural topics in ways that are easy to understand.
Beyond educational outreach, the program fostered leadership development. Interns had opportunities to observe leaders within the Ohio Farm Bureau and learn how collaboration, dedication, and service contribute to successful organizations.
As the summer program concluded, the interns left behind a lasting impact on visitors while gaining real-world experience that will support their future careers. Their work helped strengthen agricultural literacy across Ohio and established a strong foundation for future ImAGine Ag internship participants.
he success of the inaugural team demonstrates how experiential learning programs can inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders while building stronger connections between farming communities and the public.
Photo Credit: ohio-farm-bureau
Categories: Ohio, Education