Melinda Lee of Tipp City has been named Ohio Farm Bureau Federation organization director for Delaware, Franklin, Madison, and Union counties. Lee has spent the last three years serving in the same position for Champaign, Clark, Darke and Miami counties.
In her new territory, Lee will continue her work as a liaison between the county Farm Bureaus and Ohio Farm Bureau. She will assist the county groups as they develop and implement programs to strengthen their organizations and enhance their ability to serve members and affect positive change in their communities.
Lee is a 2013 graduate of Ohio State University where she majored in animal sciences and agribusiness. She received her American FFA degree in 2010. Previously she worked at Aldermere Farm in Maine helping plan and facilitate agricultural education programs and at the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. She is a graduate of Ohio Farm Bureau’s AgriPOWER Institute Class IX and currently serves as the chairperson for the Miami County Agricultural Leadership Fund.… Continue reading
The Ohio No-Till Council held their annual conference last week. Ohio Ag Net was there to video all of the information to bring it to you. You can watch each segment below on this page. Our own Dusty Sonnenberg has the highlight story here.
Healthy Soils, Healthy Waters, Healthy Life | Mark Anson
Soil Health, No-Till, and Cover Crops Panel
Ohio Department of Agriculture | Director Dorothy Pelanda
Three finalists have been named in Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s 2020 Discussion Meet. They are David Glass of Chillicothe, Micah Mensing of Millersburg and Kalyn Swihart of Lima.
The annual contest tests participants’ subject knowledge, problem solving abilities and personal and small group communications skills. These young agricultural professionals will compete in the finals as part of the Young Agricultural Professionals Winter Leadership Experience at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus Jan. 31. The finalists were named after a preliminary competition at Ohio Farm Bureau’s 101st Annual Meeting in Columbus where they discussed topics impacting the agriculture industry.
“The Discussion Meet contest is a meaningful opportunity for young ag professionals to strengthen their skills in working together to solve issues facing agriculture today. I look forward to watching these finalists compete at the finals next year,” said OFBF Leadership Development Program Specialist Kelsey Turner.
The winner receives a $1,000 cash award from Nationwide Insurance, an expense-paid trip to the 2020 OFBF Annual Meeting in Columbus and an expense-paid trip to the AFBF Annual Convention in January 2021 in San Diego.… Continue reading
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue appointed 19 new and 24 returning directors to serve on the United Soybean Board (USB), including Ohioan Charles “Bill” Bayliss from West Mansfield.
These farmer-leaders will be officially sworn in for service at the annual USB meeting on Dec. 11, and serve three-year terms.
“This year we are welcoming one of the largest classes of new directors USB has ever seen,” said USB Chair and Kentucky farmer Keith Tapp. “We have a strong group of new leaders who will join our ongoing work to innovate beyond the bushel. Each adds new perspective to the board and will help USB’s efforts to create new markets and opportunities for soybean farmers.”
Bayliss will join those already serving terms on the board to make a total of 78 directors. USB administers soybean checkoff funds to research, marketing and promotional efforts that maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers.… Continue reading
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation has named the newest members of its Young Agricultural Professionals Committee: Megan and Tyrone Brannon of Stone Creek, Jess and Adam Campbell of Waynesville, Hannah Jarvis of Homeworth and Kameron Rinehart of Jeffersonville. The committee develops and directs programming, activities and contests for Ohio Farm Bureau’s program for young adults who are interested in improving the business of agriculture, learning new ideas and developing leadership skills.
The Brannons of Tuscarawas County have egg-laying hens, they pasture poultry, raise produce and herbs and specialize in microgreens. Off the farm, Tyrone works as a commercial applicator, soil sampler and farm diesel mechanic. Megan teaches undergraduate educational technology at Kent State University.
The Campbells own and operate Carroll Creek Farms, a 90-acre farm situated in northern Warren County where they produce and direct market grass fed beef and lamb, pastured poultry and heritage breed pork. Jess is an associate vice president, swine specialist with Farm Credit Mid-America.… Continue reading
The National Pork Board has named Bryan Humphreys the vice president of producer, state and industry relations. He will start in his new role on Dec. 16.
Humphreys grew up working on the family farm in Iowa raising hogs, corn and soybeans. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, he organized grassroots efforts and managed multiple political campaigns around the country. In 2009, he joined the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) as the director of grassroots, where he encouraged pork producers to tell their stories and interact with influencers and key decision makers. As part of this role, Humphreys also spent time in more urban areas helping educate elected officials and other influential decision makers on modern pork production practices.
In 2014, Humphreys became the executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council, where he led efforts around some most pressing social and environmental issues of the day.
“Bryan is highly respected by pork producers in Ohio and his colleagues around the country,” said Bill Even, chief executive officer of the National Pork Board. … Continue reading
International Texas Longhorn Association, (ITLA) President Larry P. Smith presented the Pioneer Breeder Award to Joel Dickinson of Barnesville, Ohio. Dickinson has raised registered Texas longhorns for 40 years, starting at age 9. The annual Pioneer Breeder Award is presented to honor an ITLA member that has, over a period of 15 years or more, demonstrated a strong commitment to the ITLA and exceptional initiative in establishing a Texas Longhorn of superior value genetically, with commercial merit.
ITLA is headquartered at Glen Rose, Texas, registers pure Texas Longhorn cattle, holds educational seminars to strengthen efforts by producers, trains and approves show judges, sponsors shows all over the nation, and works to promote the breed world wide.
Dickinson manages Dickinson Cattle Co. in Belmont County running up to 1,300 cattle on just under 5,000 acres. He manages scientific efforts to improve the breed with progressive matings by AI, embryo transfer and careful banding of select genetics.… Continue reading
Laura Deeter, professor of horticulture technologies at Ohio State ATI in Wooster, was one of three university educators named a 2019 Educator of the Year in a national program sponsored by the software company Instructure. Deeter turned her plant identification course into a game about plants and zombies and gave students a unique and exciting learning experience. She likes to test out new ways of teaching and incorporates nontraditional classroom activities, such as gamification, that will help her students in their future careers. By gamifying her course, student engagement with the course skyrocketed. Ohio State ATI is the two-year degree-granting unit of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).… Continue reading
Bill Swank, age 88, passed September 21, 2019 in Westerville, Ohio, his home for 62 years.
He was born in western Ohio, Darke County to Ira and Pauline Swank. He is preceded in death by two brothers Wayne and Don, and his son Michael.
He is a U.S. Airforce veteran. Bill Received his bachelor of Science, Masters and Doctorate from The Ohio State University and remained a strong supporter of the university. He was recognized by the university in many areas, including the establishment of an endowed chair in Rural\Urban Policy. He was active nationally in the agricultural field and 28 of his 40 years with the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation were as Executive Vice President. He also served on numerous boards nationally and internationally. He received many awards and commendations for his work, too many to list specifically. In addition, he did extensive travel with the AID program to foreign and third world countries promoting new approaches to agriculture.… Continue reading
The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association (OCWGA) welcomes Lucas P. Crumley as director of public policy and nutrient management. In this role Crumley will oversee legislative activities and will manage nutrient management issues for the organization.
“Advocating for good policy is a fundamental reason our organization exists,” said Tadd Nicholson, the executive director of OCWGA. “Luke brings with him a strong foundation and extensive government experience, a great network and a diverse set of experiences that will benefit Ohio Corn & Wheat. With nutrient management issues becoming more complex, we look forward to having Luke spearhead oversight of these issues.”
Prior to joining OCW, Crumley worked for two members of congress, advocating for local community initiatives, building coalition groups, and overseeing constituent services. He has been active in flood prevention and water management projects across central Ohio. From 2007 to 2011, Crumley served as a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps, deploying twice with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.… Continue reading
Fledderjohann, from Botkins, will be remembered by many for his incredible success showing market goats at the Ohio State Fair and nationally. He had the Grand Champion Market Goat in 2011, the first year a market goat was sold in the Sale of Champions. Both before and after that, he was a staple at the Ohio State Fair and other goat shows as he worked with many exhibitors to help them succeed. Here is a clip with Fledderjohann from the 2011 Ohio State Fair Sale of Champions.
Joel Penhorwood has accepted a job with Select Sires and will no longer be contributing his considerable talents with the OCJ/OAN team. We are sad to see Joel move on but wish him well as he takes on a new chapter in his career. Thanks Joel for your hard work and best of luck in your future endeavors. Here are some of our favorite posts from Joel:
The Ohio Ag Net is excited to announce the addition of Dave Russell to the farm broadcasting team. Dave is a veteran farm broadcaster who has served agriculture in Indiana and Ohio for decades.
“Dave brings a wealth of broadcast and agricultural knowledge to the team,” said Bart Johnson, owner of Ohio Ag Net. “I have known Dave for a long time and have always been impressed with his professionalism and his passion for agriculture. I am looking forward to his contributions to the team.”
Russell began at WRFD in Columbus. He has since been a voice for Hoosier agriculture at WOWO in Ft. Wayne, Ind. and the Indiana voice for Tribune Radio Networks. In addition to his career in farm broadcasting, Russell worked in state government, serving as Agricultural Liaison for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and as Director Information/Public Relations for Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc. Russell is a familiar emcee at events and for his work announcing cattle shows including the Ohio Beef Expo, Ohio State Fair and several BEST shows.… Continue reading
A long-time journalist, communicator, and promoter of the annual Farm Science Review, Suzanne Steel, has been inducted into the 30th class of honorees in the FSR Hall of Fame, where 78 others are honored for their contribution to the event.
For 23 years, Steel worked in the marketing and communications department of the event’s main sponsor, the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at The Ohio State University. During that time, Steel promoted FSR through contacts with national, state, and local media.
FSR will take place this year from Sept. 17–19 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center, 135 State Route 38 NE, in London, Ohio. The show offers visitors an opportunity to view the latest in technology and gain insights from CFAES experts about making their operations more profitable.
“Marketing is extremely important to a large public event such as FSR, which Suzanne has championed over the years,” said Nick Zachrich, FSR manager.… Continue reading
Patty Davis has been named executive assistant for Ohio Farm Bureau’s Strategic Partnerships department, which was recently created to develop and manage key relationships and partnerships within the farm and food sector and with businesses, educators, public officials and others.
Davis has over 20 years of private sector experience as an executive administrative professional, providing executive-level support in a variety of capacities, including service at Limited Logistics and KPMG. Most recently, Davis worked at Blue & Co., LLC in the dual role of executive assistant to the firm managing director as well as office manager.
Davis is involved in the United Way Supplies for Scholars program. She has also taken part in supply and coat drives for East Columbus Elementary School and the KPMG Family for Literacy campaign.… Continue reading
Seventeen farmers and agribusiness professionals have been selected to participate in Ohio Farm Bureau’s 2019-2020 AgriPOWER Institute. The goal of the elite, yearlong training program is to help participants become community leaders and advocates for agriculture. During the program, participants will attend multiple sessions to learn about public policy matters important to their communities as well as the state of Ohio, nation and world.
Class XI members are John Bolte of Tiffin, Jon Brookbank of North Ridgeville, Ashley Brucker of Columbus, Lauren Fehlan of Troy, Kelli Hartman of Wilmington, Josh Ison of Moscow, Kenzie Johnston of Richwood, Richard Maxwell of Glenford, Matt McFadden of Wilmington, Kayla Miller of Archbold, Jared Persinger of Washington Court House, Ashley Phillips of Warsaw, Devin Trout of Columbus, Vince Untied of Newark, Vicki Vance of Gambier, Kevin Ward of Upper Sandusky and Emmalee Wince of Salem.
Throughout the year, Class XI participants will develop important skills necessary to become effective leaders and advocates, including spokesperson and media training, etiquette training, social networking, communications and more.… Continue reading
Dusty Sonnenberg is excited to join the staff of Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net with Field Leader, an Ohio Soybean Council and soybean checkoff program. Sonnenberg will be providing Ohio Field Leader content about soybean agronomics, production research, and nutrient management, among other topics. The goal of Ohio Field Leader is to bring the most up-to-date agronomist, research, and best management practice information to Ohio soybean farmers.
Sonnenberg will also be a regular contributor to Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net in his role. Ohio Field Leader content will be distributed to other state and national media outlets as well.
“Dusty brings tremendous on-farm, agronomic and communications experience to this position and we are excited about moving this project forward,” said Bart Johnson, owner of Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net. “Dusty will be a real asset to our team and Ohio agriculture.”
Sonnenberg is a Certified Crop Advisor and Technical Service Provider writing nutrient management plans.… Continue reading
Roger Rennekamp, associate dean and director of Ohio State University Extension, will bring his 40-year career in Cooperative Extension to a close on July 31.
Rennekamp has served Ohio and its citizens since 2016 as the 12th leader of OSU Extension, which has an office in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. Specializing in agriculture and natural resources, Ohio 4-H youth development, community development, and family and consumer sciences, Extension educators bring the knowledge of The Ohio State University directly to Ohioans.
During his tenure, Rennekamp has been responsible for a number of positive organizational changes.
“Dr. Rennekamp has forged a large number of new partnerships that have served to heighten awareness of Extension’s mission among both internal and external stakeholders,” said Cathann A. Kress, vice president for agricultural administration and dean of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
Rennekamp also led a comprehensive restructuring of OSU Extension, CFAES’ outreach arm, that aimed to eliminate inefficiencies and expand the voice of county-based personnel in organizational decision making.… Continue reading
Mark Wolfe of Richwood recently joined Wilson National LLC, a real estate and auction group. In his role Mark will focus on development and implementation of marketing options for customer portfolios of agricultural assets. Mark’s past experiences include a successful career in farm equipment sales and agriculture lending. Wolfe will bring a depth of experience and focus on real estate and machinery sales, valuation and marketing. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Ag Business and is a licensed real estate agent. Mark is engaged in Ohio’s agriculture industry by participating in his own farm operation with his wife and three children.
Along with Mark Wilson, Mike Weasel and Brandon Wilson, Wilson National LLC welcomes Mark and the opportunity to continue serving the Ohio farm community. You can contract Mark at 740-361-6739 or markwolfe@wilnat.com.… Continue reading
The Ohio Christmas Tree Association (OCTA) has selected Madison Greig of Ashtabula County as the recipient of the Alfred DiVencenzo Memorial Student Scholarship. Greig is a graduate of Lake Catholic High School where she was a member of the girls tennis team, serving as the captain her senior year. She was also a member of the National Honor Society as well as a ambassador for the school. Greig also was involved in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program.
In the fall of 2019, Greig will be attending Bowling Green State University.… Continue reading
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