COLUMBUS – Four finalists have been named in Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) 2016 Discussion Meet. They are Stephen Caraway of West Union, Mike Derringer of Eaton, Andy Korb of Oxford and Joy Sizemore of Monroeville.
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 at the Young Agricultural Professionals’ Leadership Experience at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus Jan. 29.
The finalists were named after a preliminary competition at the Ohio Farm Bureau’s Ohio Farm and Food Leadership Forum in Columbus where they discussed topics impacting the agriculture industry.
“The Discussion Meet contest is a great 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 in January,” said OFBF Young Agricultural Professionals Coordinator Melinda Witten.
The finalists will compete for a $1,000 cash award from Nationwide Insurance, a Polaris Most Versatile Generator and an expense-paid trip to American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention in Phoenix Jan. 8-11, 2017.
Caraway, an Adams County Farm Bureau member, has an 124-acre pumpkin and agritourism operation, and also serves as an Adams County Commissioner. He is a member of West Union Lions Club and the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission.
Derringer, a Preble County Farm Bureau member, is an agricultural education teacher at Talawanda High School. He and his wife Alison have two children and reside in Eaton. He is a 2007 graduate of Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education.
Korb, a Butler County Farm Bureau member, is a graduate of Ohio Farm Bureau’s AgriPOWER program Class III. He is a livestock auctioneer, independent livestock nutrition consultant and owns and operates a concrete finishing business. With his parents, he raises more than 100 club lamb ewes, hay, corn, soybeans, wheat and about 200 dairy beef calves a year.
Sizemore, a Huron County Farm Bureau member, is currently a veterinary student at Ohio State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and animal science at University of Findlay. She is a graduate of AgriPOWER Class V and serves on the OFBF Livestock, Food and Nutrition Advisory Committee and has served on the Equine Advisory Committee.
The Discussion Meet is hosted by OFBF’s Young Agricultural Professionals – singles and married couples ages 18 to 35 who are interested in improving the business of agriculture, learning new ideas and developing leadership skills. To learn more or to get involved, visit ofbf.org and search Young Ag Professionals.
