Ohio Farm Bureau field staff promoted in new pilot program

COLUMBUS — Continuing its “value first” approach, Ohio Farm Bureau has developed a new pilot project in 12 northwest Ohio county Farm Bureaus to test an alternative field staff structure.

This project follows the 2022 launch of an initial pilot that is testing a new service delivery model in cooperation with eight county Farm Bureaus in northwest Ohio, with a unique combination of staffing and a structure aimed to build membership with more specialized programs and services.

For the new pilot project, the county Farm Bureau structure will remain the same, as will the staff, said Ohio Farm Bureau Vice President of Membership Paul Lyons.

“The biggest change will be with- in the duties of the organization directors, as they will continue to serve as the liaison between the four counties they represent and Ohio Farm Bureau, but will also have a specialty area they will execute in all 12 counties.” Promotions. With those additional assignments come promotions for the organization directors involved in this new pilot project.

Samantha Bluhm adds business solutions specialist to her organization director title in Allen, Paulding, Putnam and Van Wert counties. Her new position will include the task of helping members find the potential within their operation, learning from experts and discovering new business opportunities to optimize the profit potential of the farm.

Roy D. Norman has been named senior organization director and policy specialist for Defiance, Fulton, Henry and Williams counties. His focus will be providing members opportunities to work with policymakers and community leaders to advance Ohio agriculture and create a favorable business environment.

Jill Smith is now senior organization director and member development specialist for Auglaize, Logan, Mercer and Shelby counties. Her work will now include forming collaborations and building relationships with key agriculture professionals and partners that will keep members ready for the next innovation or issue and provide professional and business growth opportunities.

WATERFORD, Ohio — For the fourth time in history, four members of the Waterford FFA chapter recently advanced to the 70th Annual National Land and Range Judging Contest that was held in El Reno, Oklahoma. The members included Allison Huck, Emma Hartline, Cole Hansell and John Klintworth. The contest was sponsored by the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts.

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WEST SALEM, Ohio — The Northwestern-Wayne FFA dairy cattle judging team qualified for state at the competition, April 28. The students who participated in the state competition this year were Jacoby Gilbert, Kaylee Cherry, Chet McNeil, Kade Tegtmeier and Jake Howman. Individually, Jacoby Gilbert placed 11th in the state, and the team placed seventh overall in the state.

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SULLIVAN, Ohio — The Black River FFA outdoor power team recently competed in the District 3 Career Development Event. The competition is geared towards preparing students for a career within the small engine industry. The team included Logan Leonard, Jake Reisinger and Peter Howard and earned a third place finish in the district competition.

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SULLIVAN, Ohio — The Black River FFA Chapter held their annual banquet, April 22. Over 250 guests were in attendance at the annual celebration where members were recognized for their achievements, participation and hard work throughout the year.

The evening began with a catered dinner and a silent auction with the introduction of the 2022-2023 chapter officers. Several groups of students and community members were recognized throughout the evening, in addition to the chapter awards. Guests and former students were entertained by guest speaker, Mr. Mike Boyert, owner of Boyert’s Greenhouse.

Mr. Tom Reisinger and the late Norman Dria were presented with the Honorary Chapter Degree for their continued dedication with support and service to the chapter.

The following students received special Star honors:

• Star Discovery – Emma McCann

• Star Greenhand – Gianni Bonidie

• Star Chapter Farmer – Peter Howard

• Star Junior – Ridge Martin

• DeKalb Award/Star Senior – Kylie Leonard

The 110% award recipients were presented to:

• Eighth grader – Olivia Fralick

• Freshman – Peter Howard

• Sophomore – Charlie Hollan

• Junior – Summer Sooy

• Senior – Kylie Leonard

Additionally, Howard was awarded the Overall 100% award sponsored by Ag Credit.

The Top Scholar for each grade level was awarded to:

• Eighth grader – Skyla Haislip

• Freshman – Gianni Bonidie

• Sophomore – Elizabeth Gilmore

• Junior – Katie Seger

• Senior – Joe Dennis

The evening concluded with the announcement of the 2023-2024 Chapter Officer Team.

• President – Summer Sooy

• Vice President – Ridge Martin

• Treasurer – Gianni Bonidie

• Secretary – Katie Seger

• Reporter – Eva Kodicovic

• Student Advisor – Charlie Hollan

• Sentinel – Peter Howard

• Historian – Hailey Lambdin

• Junior Secretary – Clare Reisinger

• Junior Treasurer – Kristen Mrakuzic

• Junior Reporter – Olivia Fralick

BELOIT, Ohio — On May 3, the West Branch FFA chapter held their annual banquet with over 300 members and guests present. During the awards portion of the banquet, members were recognized for their achievements over the past year.

Star awards were presented to the following members:

• Koltin Stryffeler, Star Greenhand

• McKenzie Whitted, Star in Agribusiness

• Taylar Whitted, Star Chapter Farmer

• Mason Barnett, Star in Agricultural Placement

Eight students competed at the State General Livestock Judging contest and placed 55th out of 191 teams with McKenzie Whitted leading the team.

To end the banquet the 20232024 chapter officers were installed as follows:

• Skylar Cunningham, president

• Savannah Ruthrauff, vice president

• Kotlin Stryffeler, secretary

• Brody Martig, treasurer

• Calee Ruthrauff, reporter

• Dakoda Jones, sentinel

• Haley Thomas, student adviser West Branch FFA students traveled to the State FFA convention in Columbus, Ohio, and toured the Certified Angus Beef Headquarters in Wooster. Students also toured the Ohio State University Meat Science Lab where they observed the facility where meat is harvested, processed, and packaged.

Students also attended State FFA Convention and toured the Career and College Expo. They were also able to interact with colleges and companies across the state.

Agriculture students held their annual Food for America field trip with students in third grade classes. They partnered with Conny Farms and Martig Farms and led third graders through different stations at Conny’s farm including the horse barn, grain bins, and the combine. Third grade students visited the high school agricultural room where they planted a flower to take home for Mother’s Day.