Thank you for your interest in applying for the YAP State Committee, we are currently accepting applications for the class of 2027. Below are the instructions for completing this application as well as the eligibility requirements. Please contact Mary Klopfenstein, mklopfenstein@ofbf.org with any questions. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and be a member of Ohio Farm Bureau. All applicants will be notified by July 31, 2024 regarding the status of their application. The deadline to apply is May 3rd at 5pm.

Applicant must be between the ages of 18 and 34 years of age. Applicants must not have reached their 34th birthday before December 31, 2023. Must be a current Ohio Farm Bureau member and active in county Farm Bureau. Couples must be a union recognized by the state. Past participant in one or more of the following Young Agricultural Professionals activities: Winter Leadership Experience, Washington D.C. Leadership Trip, or Young Ag Professional Contest applicant. From a county not currently represented on the committee. (Shelby, Hancock, Lucas, and Franklin County members are ineligible). Ineligible Applicants include: Previous YAP State Committee members and current AgriPOWER Institute participants. You may not participate in a Young Agricultural Professionals Contest while currently serving on the committee. The top six applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview which will occur on May 21st between 9 am - 11am. Interview appointments will be scheduled the week prior to the interview date.

The Young Ag Professionals State Committee suggests, develops, and conducts activities that provide opportunities for young couples and singles to become involved in the programs of Ohio Farm Bureau (county, regional, and state levels). Members also serve as Young Ag Professionals' resource leaders to Farm Bureau and actively recruit and encourage Young Ag Professionals' participation in Farm Bureau activities.The committee works with the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation staff to fulfill responsibilities.  Planning and conducting Young Ag Professionals Conferences, contests, and activities is a major committee activity as well as involving Young Ag Professionals in Farm Bureau activities in your region and county.Young singles and married couples ages 18 - 35 are generally regarded as eligible to participate in OFBF Young Ag Professionals activities.  The American Farm Bureau Federation's age limit for the Young Farmer and Rancher program is also 35 years of age.

Members are expected to be present at all meetings and activities conducted by this team. The Class of 2027 committee term will begin on September 7, 2024 and conclude at the 2027 Winter Leadership Experience. Anticipated committee meetings are as follows: July 15th & August 5th (New Member Onboarding), Sept. 7th, Dec. 11-12th, Feb. 6-8th (Winter Leadership Experience). Committee Members also have the opportunity to travel to the American Farm Bureau annual convention in January 2026 and Washington D.C in September 2026.

Serving on the YAP State Committee provides you an opportunity to learn and grow as an indivudal both personally and professionally. In this position, you may also be asked to serve as an ambassador for Ohio Farm Bureau and represent the Young Ag Professionals program at various events. Please share your leadership experiences that have equipped you to serve in this role.

All application will undergo a blind review by a panel of qualified OFBF staff members. After the applications have been reviewed the top applicants will be selected to partake in an interview with program staff. A recommendation will be submitted to the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Board of Trustees in early June. Pending their approval, an announcement will be made in late June of the newly appointed State YAP Committee members.