Nineteen select leaders and advocates recently graduated from Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) AgriPOWER Institute.

The intensive, yearlong leadership training program was launched in 2008 to help farmers and agricultural professionals gain influence over public policy issues that impact their businesses.

The program, which consists of seven multi-day institutes (17 total days), covers public policy matters facing local communities, the state of Ohio, the nation and the world.

Additionally, specific sessions will help class members develop important skills necessary to become an effective leader and advocate.

One of the institute sessions will be held in Washington, D. C., to help class members gain a valuable understanding of national and global issues.

Ohio Farm Bureau is looking for 20 select individuals for the 2012-2013 class. Applications are due May 18.

You should apply if:

• You want to improve your understanding of current issues and develop the skills necessary to lead and become an advocate for agriculture.
• You have a passion for agriculture and see yourself in a leadership role in the future.
• You are interested in the political process and/or have thought about running for office.
• You are open to new experiences and learning.
• You can commit the time necessary to participate in the program.

Individuals may nominate themselves or have their nomination sponsored by their respective county Farm Bureau, other agricultural organization or employer. If you are nominating yourself, you must be a Farm Bureau member. (Contact your county Farm Bureau for membership information).

About the Class IV graduates
During the past year, participants engaged government officials, activists, media insiders and farm leaders on pressing local, state and national issues.

Among the topics were government structure and spending, regulations, the environment, animal welfare, international trade and public relations.

“Ohio Farm Bureau is committed to the success of AgriPOWER and believes that there has never been a more important time for people to stand up for agriculture and tell their stories,” said Sandy Kuhn, AgriPOWER director.

“This is really the purpose of AgriPOWER as graduates are trained to become the future leaders and advocates for agriculture."

Prior to graduation, participants developed goals for using their training to effectively impact public policy.

At graduation, AgriPOWER Class IV presented Kuhn with a $1,000 scholarship to help with the funding of Class V. “They have truly learned the power of paying forward,” Kuhn said.

Class IV graduates are:

• Matt Aultman, Darke County
• Michele Burkey, Tuscarawas County
• Yvonne Fair, Jefferson County
• Adam Garman, Ross County
• Jeff Heimerl, Licking County
• Ty Kellogg, Geauga County
• Jack Leslie, Wyandot County
• Jeff Moore, Gallia County
• Katie Myers-Griffith, Wayne County
• Amanda Propst, Champaign County
• Kristin Reese, Fairfield County
• Bruce Simmons, Medina County
• Myra Snider, Delaware County
• Terri Studer, Butler County
• Matt Stump, Union County
• Leland Tinklepaugh, Franklin County
• Curtis Tobe, Putnam County
• Kris Vincent, Stark County
• Carol Wildman, Clark County

In addition to OFBF, AgriPOWER partners include:

• Nationwide Insurance
• Ohio Soybean Council
• Southern Ohio Agricultural and Community Development Foundation
• Farm Credit Services of Mid-America
• Ohio Pork Producers Council
• Ohio Corn Marketing Program
• Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program
• Ohio Sheep and Wool Program
• Ohio Sheep Improvement Association
• Ohio Cattlemen’s Association
• Ohio Beef Council
• Monsanto
• Agri-Trac Equipment
• Pioneer
• Cargill Animal Nutrition
• Trupointe Cooperative, Inc.
• Stark County Farm Bureau
• Franklin County Farm Bureau
• AgriPOWER alumni
• AgriPOWER Class III

For additional information about AgriPOWER, contact OFBF at (614) 246-8249 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  PD

—From Ohio Farm Bureau Federation news release

PHOTO
The graduates of the 2012 AgriPOWER class. Photo courtesy of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.