By DOUG GRAVES Ohio Correspondent COLUMBUS, Ohio — AgriPOWER, an elite leadership program designed specifically for farmers and agribusiness professionals, is accepting applications for those who want to become effective leaders and advocates for agriculture in Ohio. This is the 10th AgriPOWER class. By the first of May the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) will select 20 individuals to participate in its program, which will consist of seven multi-day institutes (17 total days). Topics covered during institute programs will include public policy matters facing local communities, the state of Ohio, the nation and the world. This yearlong program focuses on public policy issues confronting ag and the food industry. It helps individuals develop the skills necessary to become effective leaders and advocates for agriculture. “Specific sessions will help class members develop important skills necessary to become an effective leader and advocate for agriculture,” said Melinda Witten, AgriPOWER director. “But it’s much more than leadership training. Class members bond with each other as they share their experiences in the workplace, community and home. “People should apply for this AgriPOWER class if they want to improve understanding of current issues and develop the skills necessary to lead and become an advocate for agriculture. This program is great for anyone with a passion for agriculture who is interested in the political process. One just needs to commit the time necessary to participate in the program.” Tuition is $4,500 per person, which includes lodging, meals, breaks, group travel and all course materials. The application deadline for AgriPOWER Class X is April 20. OFBF launched this course in 2008; the 2018-19 session will begin in August. “I enjoy working with the program,” Witten said. “It’s just so great to see everyone engaging and interacting with one another, and in the long run they take many things from this program.” The first session (July 13-14) will allow participants to get to know OFBF better. Attendees will also engage in leadership development, personal strength finder assessment and public speaking training. For the second session (Aug. 9-11) the group will learn of the power and role of media, learn about spokesperson training and the changing nature of communications and social media, as well as Ohio trade and export issues. Session 3 (Sept. 11-13) will take them to Washington, D.C., to better understand national and global affairs. There they will learn of the power of organizations, Farm Bureau’s process, national and international issues, trade, demographics and federal government issues. During Session 4 (Nov. 15-16) the group will return to Columbus and take a close look at state government, working with statewide elected officials to better understand politics and etiquette. In Session 5 (Dec. 14-15) participants will examine closely local government basics and economic development, energy issues and water quality. They will learn about leading and understanding change, activists and advocacy, divergent issues and attacks on agriculture and food. For Session 6 (Feb. 21-23, 2019) they will take an out-of-state tour where they will explore current issues in food, agriculture and the environment in contiguous states. They will gain a firsthand perspective of ag facilities, businesses and Farm Bureau’s role in another state. The final session (March 15-16) will be held in Columbus. There they will learn about service opportunities that will lead to engagement in agricultural organizations, local organizations and OFBF. Previous participants of AgriPOWER have come from all parts of Ohio with a variety of ag industry backgrounds. “If you’re looking for a program to take you to the next step in your ag career, whether you’re just getting started or are a veteran, one should consider AgriPOWER,” said Chris Kick, Wayne County Farm Bureau member and Class VII participant. “You’ll be surprised how much you learn from the speakers and farmers, and also about yourself and the people around you.” “I myself have seen improvement as leader and an advocate in agriculture,” said Steven Ruggles, another Class VII participant from Hancock County. “It has also has been a great opportunity to network with other people who are passionate about agriculture.” For additional information, contact Melinda Witten at 614-519-8761 or visit https://ofbf.org/tag/agripower |
