Jan 12, 2023
One of the really great things about my job is the amazing opportunities the organization offers to celebrate the hard work of member volunteers and staff.
This year, our friends at Geauga County Farm Bureau were awarded a County Activity of Excellence award, which celebrates unique, local, volunteer-driven programs that serve as models of innovation for local program development.
Geauga was one of 24 programs selected in the nation to showcase its event at the conventions trade show. Ohio dominated the trade show floor, with 11 different winning programs — which is absolutely incredible! These events addressed issues in our respective communities and addressed issues such as mental health, safety and ag literacy.
Additionally, Ohio had three Young Agricultural Professionals competing at the national level in the Excellence in Agriculture, Outstanding Young Farmer and Discussion Meet contests. Winners of the contests were announced and Ohio made a statement once again as Staci Anderson of Wood County won the Excellence in Agriculture contest and Mike Hanniwald of Lucas County was the winner of the Discussion Meet. The knowledge and the impact that these YAPs bring to their communities, this state and this industry is absolutely amazing.
This year, the 104th American Farm Bureau Annual Convention was held for the first time ever in San Juan, Puerto Rico. American Farm Bureau Convention is hosted every year by a different state Farm Bureau and along with the convention tours highlighting different aspects of the state’s agriculture industry are offered to attendees.
Throughout the convention, attendees can attend an array of workshops that focus on personal and professional development, and opportunities in agriculture. The trade show offered opportunities to visit with member benefit providers, ag service organizations such as USDA, and to gather ideas on unique programming that members could take back to their own communities.
Keynote speakers, Big Kenny Alphin and Bert Jacobs, co-founder of the lifestyle brand Life is Good, shared impactful messages that inspired those of us in the audience. Additionally, like all annual conventions, tours showcasing local agriculture were offered. Even those of us who are involved in agriculture have so much to learn about different industries and practices.
This convention held laughs, tears, celebrations, excitement, and awareness that if we want the future of agriculture to be strong, we have to be involved, we have to share our stories, and we have to be willing to fight for this industry. The theme of this year’s convention was “Mi Familia,” or “My Family.”
As I sat on our balcony soaking up my last few hours of warmth and the calming sensation of the waves on the sandy beach, I couldn’t help but smile as I thought about the last few days. Farm Bureau has brought so many people and experiences into my life, and while there are times this job sucks the life right out of me, sitting in general session with thousands of farmers and ranchers of all ages and backgrounds, beliefs, and farming styles, I was once again reminded of my love for this industry. And even though it may be small, I was reminded that I am making a difference in all that I do — and so can each of you!
This organization is truly a family in every sense of the word. One of the state presidents compared our Farm Bureau family to working cattle — and if any of you have ever worked cattle with family, you absolutely know what I am talking about. We may struggle, we might not agree, and at times things may get heated, choice words may be said, but when we work together and find common ground, we make great things happen. We are never going to agree on every single issue every single time, but when we come together to share our stories, to learn, and to protect our industry, we will always make an impact.
Farm Bureau is filled with so many opportunities at all levels, and if you aren’t looking to be involved, the most important thing you can do is share your story, your concerns, and your challenges with us. If you are a Farm Bureau member, thank you for being part of “Mi Familia” and if you aren’t, I encourage you to consider joining. Farm Bureau is for anyone who believes in protecting the future of food and agriculture.
This family is bound by its love for agriculture and our communities, pulls together in hard times, and stands united with one voice to educate, share, and to protect the future of agriculture!
Orahood is organization director for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation for Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties.
Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox
MUSIC CLUB TO MEET: Warren Music Club, a member of the Ohio and National Federation of Music Clubs, will meet at 2 …
• FARMINGTON TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES will have a special meeting 7 a.m. today at the fire department for discussing the …
One of the really great things about my job is the amazing opportunities the organization offers to celebrate the …
¯ SOUTHINGTON BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet at 6 p.m. today at the media center for the organizational and regular …
• NILES BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet 5:30 p.m. today at the administration building for the organizational …
CORRECTION: This listing has been corrected to indicate the Niles Board of Education meeting will be held 5:30 p.m. …
Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox
Copyright © Tribune Chronicle | https://www.tribtoday.com | 240 Franklin Street SE, Warren, OH 44483 | 330-841-1600
