By Andi Anderson
In a testament to creativity and impact, the 2023 Ohio Farm Bureau Innovation Awards spotlighted ingenious programs developed by county Farm Bureaus. These initiatives were celebrated during the prestigious 2023 Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.
Vice President of Membership at Ohio Farm Bureau, Paul Lyons, commended the awarded programs, highlighting their alignment with the organization's objectives. He noted that these initiatives demonstrate the dedication of members, enhancing both local communities and the Farm Bureau as a whole.
Let's delve into the innovative programs that garnered recognition:
Ashtabula: Mental Health Dinner Theater The Ashtabula County Farm Bureau orchestrated a thought-provoking three-act play addressing farmer stress, promoting discussions on mental health while advocating for enhanced safety measures.
Auglaize, Logan, Mercer, and Shelby: Farm Bureau Agriculture Leadership Program A comprehensive initiative focused on agricultural issues in a four-county region, fostering teamwork, goal setting, networking, and amplifying the Farm Bureau's community value.
Crawford: Planting the Seed for the Future of Agriculture An agriculture literacy and advocacy event hosted by Crawford County Farm Bureau and Crawford County Cattlemen. This engaging event introduced agriculture to diverse audiences through renowned speakers.
Jackson-Vinton: Making Quality Assurance…Fun! Jackson-Vinton Farm Bureau transformed the mandatory Quality Assurance meeting for Junior Fair participants into an interactive experience. This initiative engaged 275 youth, encouraging parental involvement and boosting Farm Bureau memberships.
Lucas: Policy and Pancakes Lucas County's Policy and Pancakes event served a farm-to-table breakfast, fostering relationships between members and local officials while showcasing local agriculture.
Marion: Group Member Retention Activities Marion County Farm Bureau introduced activities aimed at appreciating group membership partners, reinforcing relationships, and educating employees on Farm Bureau benefits.
Mercer: Western Ohio Ag in the Classroom Teacher Workshop A Mercer County initiative tailored to K-4 teachers' needs, providing resources and insights on incorporating agriculture into classroom curricula.
Ottawa: I Want to Be a Farmer, but I Don’t Have a Tractor This Ottawa County program opened unconventional agricultural career pathways to youth through a job fair at the county fair, reaching and inspiring 100 young individuals and their families.
Ohio Farm Bureau continues its mission of uniting for Ohio's farmers' welfare, advancing agriculture, and strengthening communities. Explore more at ohiofarmbureau.org.
Photo Credit: gettyimage-jamesbrey
Categories: Ohio, General