By Emily Lichtle/Crestview FFA reporter
CONVOY — The Crestview FFA has announced this year’s Blue Jacket recipients from the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources class. This application is awarded to first year FFA members who submit a personal essay describing how FFA has influenced their life. This year, we are excited to recognize nine young men who earned their blue jacket, thanks to the generosity of local sponsors who continue to support agricultural education in our community.
Junior Bowen Ayers was selected by Kevin Wenninger of Wenninger Seed Service, Inc. Also selected by Wenninger were Dylan Cress, Brayden Hedington, Cody Mishey, and Bentley Scott. Evan Knueve and Corbett Roth were selected by Laura Hannum from Trillium Farms. Freshman Hudson Buuck was selected by Samantha Bluhm from the Van Wert County Farm Bureau, and Cale Carr was selected by Eric Grubaugh from Grubaugh Farms and Seed.
Each student wrote a meaningful essay describing how FFA has impacted their life or the lives of those around them. Below are a few highlights from several of the essays submitted.
Bowen Ayers wrote about how agriculture has become a place where he can talk to others without feeling judged. He shared that wearing the FFA jacket would help him feel more included and connected within the chapter, and that the jacket represents a space where he can truly be himself.
Cody Mishey explained that while he is not as drawn to the agricultural side of FFA, he is excited to meet new people and expand his knowledge of agricultural machinery.
Bentley Scott highlighted that although his own FFA journey is just beginning, the organization has already had a meaningful impact on his family. In his essay,
Hudson Buuck wrote about how his brother’s positive experience in FFA inspired him to join, and he reflected on the friendships and opportunities that FFA members build together.
Crestview FFA congratulates all nine recipients on earning their first official blue jackets and extends sincere thanks to the sponsors who made this program possible. These jackets symbolize leadership, opportunity, and a bright future in agriculture for each of these young members.
By Cassidy Rank/Lincolnview FFA Reporter
15 members of our chapter had a blast in Indianapolis, Indiana, attending the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo from October 28- 31, accompanied by Crestview FFA and Parkway FFA. For many, it was a new experience in which they learned many ways to strengthen their leadership skills and become more engaged in the agricultural world.
The trip started with a tour of Unverferth Manufacturing in Kalida. Our members learned that the business has been family-owned since its inception and about the pros and cons of the machinery they use to produce their products. After, they made a stop at the Bob Evans Farms Manufacturing in Lima. Members went on a tour of their facility, getting a firsthand look at everything that is required to make their famous mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, which were offered in sample sizes to members. On the tour of the facility, members learned about the importance of food safety and proper sanitation. Next, we made a pit stop for lunch and made our way to Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Members enjoyed delicious ice cream and recreational activities, including an entertaining corn maze! Our first day ended at a cozy lodge in Oxford, Ohio.
Members started the next day of the trip bright and early, as we toured Stockyard Packing Company in Oxford. We learned about the different equipment used and the process from the stockyard to our tables. The next stop was at Buck Creek Winery, where members went on a tour and got to see the grape vines they have grown for over 20 years. Then, we ended the second night of our trip at the FFA rodeo and had a fantastic time.
On Thursday, we attended the first general session of the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo and listened to a wonderful message from A’ric Jackson about overcoming hate and negativity. We had plenty of fun exploring different boutiques, career booths, and visiting college representatives. Later in the day, we attended the second general session, in which we experienced an opening ceremony completely in Spanish! We also heard from the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who delivered a passionate speech about those who are in the agriculture industry. We finished our evening dining at a German restaurant called Rathskeller. We enjoyed fellowship, great hospitality, ate popular German dishes, and had delicious chocolate cheesecake for dessert.
On Friday, the final day of our trip, we listened to Luke Jennings’ retiring address, “See a light, Be a light.” He shared inspirational stories and provided advice on leadership to take back to our chapter. We ended our time in Indianapolis with a final trip to the expo-center, then made our way back home.
Members who went on this trip experienced engaging tours and gained skills to bring home and lead our chapter.
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The Van Wert Farm Bureau and Soil & Water Conservation District will co-host their annual ag banquet on Tuesday, August 5 at Life House Church in Van Wert.
The evening will begin with an election for two supervisors on the SWCD Board from 5-6 p.m., then dinner catered by Lock 16 at 6 p.m., and the meeting following.
This year’s speaker is Jolene Brown, a walking-talking spokesperson and champion for the people of agriculture. She’s a farmer in Eastern Iowa, contributor to Successful Farming magazine’s popular family business column, author of two books and an inductee into the prestigious CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame. Her worldwide audiences appreciate her fun-filled spirit and valuable information. She’s on a mission to share leading-edge best practices, appreciation, laughter and celebration to increase productivity, profitability and peace of mind. She’ll be speaking on the topic of transition farming.
There will be no charge for the meeting this year, however, RSVPs are required by Thursday, July 24, by calling the office at 419.238.9591 or emailing Becky at becky@vanwertswcd.com.
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REYNOLDSBURG — The Ohio Department of Agriculture is thrilled to participate in a summer trade mission event highlighting the strength and diversity of Ohio’s agricultural industry.
Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast are hosting the second annual Summer in the Cities Buyers Mission, making a stop in Columbus in August.
The trade event is designed to connect Ohio food and agricultural suppliers with prequalified international buyers from around the world, offering them the opportunity to showcase their products. Representatives from 21 countries are expected to participate and provide information about exporting goods and particular markets. ODA will help secure local suppliers for the event through the department’s Agricultural Trade and Export program.
“By helping Ohio companies grow through exports, we increase the demand for quality, Ohio-grown products,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “Events like this not only connect products to new markets, but also connect farmers to a stronger, more resilient future. This is a great opportunity for Ohio agriculture.”
Countries represented at the event include Aruba, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Fiji, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Korea , Mexico, Nicaragua, Singapore, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Vietnam.
According to the ODA, food and agriculture is Ohio’s No. 1 industry, adding $124 billion to the economy and employing one out of every eight people. Ohio farmers grow or raise more than 200 different kinds of crops and livestock, and the state is also home to approximately 1,000 food processing companies.
In addition to Columbus, the Summer in the Cities will also stop in Chicago, Illinois, and Jersey City, New Jersey.
If your company is interested in participating, please contact Tim Sword, ODA’s Trade and Export Program Administrator at Tim.Sword@agri.ohio.gov or 614.563.1932. The deadline to register is July 2.
POSTED: 06/26/25 at 8:49 pm. FILED UNDER: Farm
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FOSTORIA — AgCredit, one of northern Ohio’s largest lenders for farmers, agribusinesses, and rural homeowners, is pleased to announce the results of its recent Board of Directors election.
The successful candidates were Dustin Sonnenberg of Hamler representing Region 2, consisting of Henry, Wood, and western Lucas counties; Gary Wilson of Jenera representing Region 3, including Hancock and Hardin counties, and Scott Chalfin of Risingsun representing Region 4, consisting of eastern Lucas, Ottawa and Sandusky counties. Wilson is serving in his first term on the 11-member board, while Sonnenberg and Chalfin are serving in their fifth and third terms, respectfully. Sonnenberg was originally elected in 2016 and Chalfin in 2022.
All three delegates bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the AgCredit Board. Sonnenberg operates his own farm operation, has experience with Ag Net Communications, Tri-State RTK Network, and Henry County Community Foundation.
Wilson is a self-employed farmer and a retired OSU extension educator. He is also member of several state and national commodity groups including Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers, Ohio Sheep Improvement Association, Ohio Forage and Grassland Council and National Corn Growers Association. Chalfin is also a self-employed farmer and in addition to his past experience on AgCredit’s board, he has also been involved with the Sandusky County Soil and Water Conservation District.
AgCredit’s Board of Directors includes eight members elected by stockholders. The remaining three are appointees to ensure diversity and a range of experience.
The 18 members of AgCredit’s Nominating Committee – one representing each of the 18 northern Ohio counties that AgCredit serves – identify the candidates to fill any seats that may be open on the Board of Directors. A list of the 2026 Nominating Committee members can be found here.
A cooperative lender, AgCredit is a member of the Farm Credit System that was created more than 100 years ago to provide a reliable source of funding for the nation’s farmers and ranchers. AgCredit supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services.
POSTED: 06/18/25 at 12:20 pm. FILED UNDER: Farm
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COLUMBUS — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is encouraging dairy producers to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program that helps offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup began January 29 and the deadline to enroll is March 31.
“We encourage producers to join the 368 dairy operations in Ohio that have already signed up for this important safety net program in advance of the deadline,” said USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Deputy State Executive Director Traci Garza. “At $0.15 per hundredweight for $9.50 coverage, risk protection through Dairy Margin Coverage is a cost-effective tool to manage risk and provide security for your operations.”
The American Relief Act, 2025 extended provisions of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) authorizing DMC for coverage year 2025.
DMC provides dairy operations with risk management coverage that pays producers when the difference (the margin) between the national price of milk and the average cost of feed falls below a certain level selected by the program participants.
DMC offers different levels of coverage minus a $100 administrative fee. The administrative fee is waived for dairy producers who are considered limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged or a military veteran.
DMC payments are calculated using updated feed and premium hay costs, making the program more reflective of actual dairy producer expenses.
For more information on DMC, visit the DMC webpage or contact your local USDA Service Center.
POSTED: 03/20/25 at 9:03 am. FILED UNDER: Farm
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Farm Focus Inc. was founded in 1974 to promote agriculture in Van Wert County and the surrounding area. It is the continued mission of Farm Focus to assist Van Wert County students through a scholarship program that will enable them to pursue a degree in an agricultural related field.
Farm Focus Inc. is offering a minimum of two scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 to high school seniors interested in majoring in an agricultural related program at a university, college, or technical school. In addition to seniors, full time students already enrolled in an undergraduate program in agriculture are also eligible to apply. This also means that a successful applicant from previous years can reapply again this year. The applicant must be a Van Wert County resident. The minimum grade point is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Scholarship funds will be submitted directly to the educational institution by Farm Focus Inc. upon receipt of proof of enrollment or a copy of a tuition invoice.
Scholarship applications have been sent to all nine area high schools where Van Wert County students may be enrolled, s eligible students may contact their high school guidance counselor or agricultural education/FFA instructor for a scholarship application.
The application is also available at the OSU Van Wert County Extension Office, 1055 S. Washington St., Van Wert, or by emailing FarmFocusScholarship@gmail.com. The scholarship application is in PDF and Word formats and can be emailed or put on a jump drive. Questions should be emailed.
All completed applications must be emailed, mailed and postmarked or delivered in person to the OSU Van Wert County Extension Office no later than Friday, March 28.
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AgCredit has announced the launch of a new six-part webinar series in collaboration with AgBizInfo, designed specifically for young and beginning farmers. The series, which is available for free, kicks off on Monday, February 3, and aims to provide essential knowledge and tools to help those starting their farming journey.
This valuable series covers key topics that can make the difference between success and failure in farming. Whether you are just starting out or are ready to take your farming hobby to the next level, this series has something for you.
To register for the webinar series and begin your farming journey with confidence, visit https://www.agcredit.net/ybwebinars.
Topics covered in the six-part series include:
- Site Analysis and Exploring Your Potential – Understanding your land and its possibilities.
- Finding Your Niche and Expanding Your Customer Base – How to stand out in a competitive market.
- Access to Capital – How to find and secure the funding you need.
- Business Structure and Risk Mitigation – Ensuring you build a solid foundation and reduce risk.
- Stop the Burnout: Learning How to Delegate and Build Your Team – Avoiding overload and building a strong support system.
- Knowing Your Biz Numbers and Becoming Profitable – Mastering your finances for sustainable growth.
Webinars will be available on-demand, allowing participants to watch them at their own convenience. Each week, beginning February 3, a new webinar will be released, with a link sent directly to participants’ inboxes. The series will run for six weeks, with new content every Monday.
POSTED: 01/29/25 at 9:58 am. FILED UNDER: Farm
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Ohio State University Extension and Northwest State Community College are partnering to provide a regional event focused on successful implementation of agricultural conservation practices, called “Success Stories of Conservation”.
The event will feature farmers giving 5-minute “lightning talks” that will discuss how specific conservation practices have benefitted them on their operations, followed by a panel-type question and answer session.
In addition, Dr. Jim Uphaus, Professor and Chair of the Agriculture program at Rhodes State College, and Dr. Vinayak Shedekar, Assistant Professor of Agriculture Water Management at The Ohio State University, will host breakout sessions focusing on the return on investment of conservation practices and the benefits of utilizing farm drainage, respectively. The event’s keynote speaker will be Greg LaBarge, Field Specialist in Agronomic Systems at The Ohio State University, discussing his research in the Powell Creek Watershed and what watershed-scale implementation of conservation practices can do.
Agricultural conservation is becoming an increasingly important topic across northwest Ohio, and there are many different practices and methods that can be used to improve local water quality and soil health. This event is designed to showcase real-life implementation of conservation practices and how these practices have affected real-life farming operations, water quality, and soil health goals.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, February 20, at Northwest State Community College, 22600 OH-34, Archbold, Ohio. The cost to attend this event is $10 per person, with lunch provided. Registration is required for this event by Friday, February 14. Visit go.osu.edu/SSC22025 to register or contact Rachel Cochran at Cochran.474@osu.edu or 567.344.5016 with questions
POSTED: 01/22/25 at 9:24 am. FILED UNDER: Farm
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FORT WAYNE — The Fort Wayne Farm Show, one of the Midwest’s premier agricultural events and Indiana’s largest indoor farm show, is set to welcome over 30,000 farmers and industry professionals once again this year. The 36th annual event, which will be held at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, will feature cutting-Edge technology, educational seminars, and community support Initiatives
Known for showcasing the latest in farm technology and innovation, the show provides attendees with access to the region’s largest variety of farm equipment and services, all conveniently located under one roof. The Northeastern Indiana Soil and Water Conservation District, in collaboration with Purdue Cooperative Extension Services, will offer daily educational seminars designed to address key topics in modern farming.
This year’s show is also highlighted by two grand prize giveaways: a Toro MyRide Zero Turn Lawn Mower and Toro SnowMaster Snow Blower, both generously provided by Plevna Implement, located at 1503 Wiant Dr., Garrett, Indiana. Entry for both grand prizes is free.
Supporting the future of agriculture, the Indiana FFA Scholarship Foundation will hold a fundraising auction at 1 p.m. on both Tuesday and Wednesday of the show. A wide range of donated items will be up for bid, with proceeds benefiting the scholarship program. Last year’s auction raised more than $21,000 for FFA scholarships.
Farm Show dates and times are Tuesday, January 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, January 15, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursday, January 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
POSTED: 01/09/25 at 11:05 pm. FILED UNDER: Farm
