2027 Winter Leadership Experience
About this Event
Growing Connections. Shaping Legacy. The future of agriculture isn’t just about the crops we plant, it’s about the roots we establish today. Join other young farmers and ag professionals from across the state at the 2027 Ohio Farm Bureau Winter Leadership Experience. This day and a half conference is packed with opportunity to gain key insights to drive your career forward, newtork with industry peers, and reconnect with fellow Farm Bureau friends.
DATES
January 22-23, 2027
ATTENDEES
Unique this year, the conference is open to Ohio Farm Bureau members of all ages.
PRICING
Early-bird Conference Registration ($150/person) - ends December 15
Conference Registration ($175/person) - ends January 5
Child Registration for ages 4+ ($50/child) - access to all general conference programming including meals (under 4 are free)
ON SITE CHILD CARE - Complimentary
Last year we added onsite professional child care and this year we are coving the costs to provide a complimentary child care room staffed by vetted sitters. All sitters onsite are employed through Sitting Made Simple, have passed a background check and are infant/child first aid certified and CPR certified. The child care room will be open during key conference programming to allow guardians to be fully present. Guardians will be required to pick their child(ren) up during scheduled conference meals as reflected on the draft agenda. To ensure adequate accommodations and sitter staff, intent to utilize the child care room needs to be submitted through the general conference registration prior to the close of general conference registration on January 5. Questions? Contact [email protected]. More complete details regarding the child care room can be found will be shared with guardians upon the close of general event registration.
HOTEL (not included with registration)
Hotel Rooms $225/night (plus taxes & fees)
at the Hilton Columbus Downtown to receive our special group rate by January 5 while supplies last.
Conference T-Shirt: PRE-SALE ONLY (ends December 15)
Be sure to add a 2027 WLE t-shirt to your registration before checking out! These conference specific shirts are only available via pre-sale. Proceeds for apparel sales will benefit ExploreAg. Ohio Farm Bureau’s signature ag literacy and workforce development program, ExploreAg, offers free week, multi-day and daylong immersion programs for high school students. Learn more at Exploreag.org
*conference t-shirts are only available for pre-order sale through December 15
Registration formally closes at 11:30 pm on January 5, 2027.
Discounted hotel rate ends January 5.
For more specific conference details, visit:
Questions or Concerns? Contact [email protected]
Friday, Jan. 22nd
🕑: 01:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Registration
Info: Be sure to check-in at registration upon arrival to receive your conference nametag and welcome bag. All pre-ordered conference t-shirts will also be distributed at registration.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 07:30 PM
YAP Store Open
Info: Come purchase your favorite YAP branded apparel. All proceeds will be donated to ExploreAg - Ohio Farm Bureau's premier ag literacy and workforce development program offering free day, multi-day, and week long camps for high school students to explore careers in agriculture through hands-on experiences.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Child Care Room Open
Info: Complimentary on site child care available. All ages of children welcome. Be sure to register your child using one of the two child registration options so we can be sure to secure an adequate team of professional sitters to be at the conference.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Excellence in Ag & Outstanding Young Farmer Award - Finalist Round
Info: Not open to spectators. Competitors and judges will receive specific details via email regarding the final round of the competition.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Pre-Conference Tours
Info: Be sure to add an optional educational tour to your conference registration to explore how agriculture is uniquely infused into the city of Columbus. Tours are complementary but require a $50 refundable deposit to hold your spot. OPTION 1: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field Tour - Home of the Columbus Crew OPTION 2: Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall Tour
🕑: 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Ag Literacy Volunteer Training
Info: Do you imagine ag in your local classrooms? Are you interested in impactful ag literacy efforts but not quite sure how to make it happen? Then be sure to sign up through the WLE registration process for this interactive training to equip you with skills and resources to engage with youth in your community! The training is free but requires a $50 refundable deposit to hold your spot.
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:45 PM
Networking and Partnership Showcase
Info: Join our Apps with YAPs time for an unforgettable experience networking with peers and industry leaders from across the state while enjoying some hors d’oeuvres and the cash bar.
🕑: 05:45 PM - 07:00 PM
Opening General Session & Keynote
🕑: 06:15 PM - 06:45 PM
KEYNOTE: Udder Chaos-Anchored in Faith, Staying Connected (general session)
Host: Dan Venteicher - the IowaDairyFarmer
Info: Dan Venteicher, the IowaDairyFarmer, has a massed over 2.5 million followers across all social media platforms. He advocates for the dairy industry using truth and tact and has gained worldwide attention. He also co-owns and operates Honey Creek Dairy where him and his family milk 180 cows. He is greatly involved in his community and has been married to his wife Jamie of 12 years. Together they have 5 children.
Through cancer, losing his mother, a farm accident that nearly took his father's life, and the everyday chaos of agriculture, Dan shares an honest story of hardship, connection, and continuing to move forward. Along the way, he reflects on the relationships, faith, and sense of purpose that have helped him stay connected through it all.
🕑: 07:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Evening Entertainment & Dinner
Info: More details coming soon!
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
New to WLE Session
Host: YAP State Committee
Info: Is this your first time attending the Winter Leadership Experience? Join members of the YAP State Committee to gain insights on how to maximize your experience of WLE and meet a few new friends to kickoff the conference!
Saturday, Jan. 23rd
🕑: 07:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Registration
Info: Be sure to check-in at registration upon arrival to receive your conference nametag and welcome bag. All pre-ordered conference t-shirts will also be distributed at registration.
🕑: 07:30 AM - 02:45 PM
YAP Store
Info: Come purchase your favorite YAP branded apparel. All proceeds will be donated to ExploreAg - Ohio Farm Bureau's premier ag literacy and workforce development program offering free day, multi-day, and week long camps for high school students to explore careers in agriculture through hands-on experiences.
🕑: 07:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Child Care Room Open
Info: Complimentary on site child care available. All ages of children welcome. Be sure to register your child using one of the two child registration options so we can be sure to secure an adequate team of professional sitters to be at the conference.
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Breakfast & Morning General Session
Info: The Discussion Meet Final Four round of competition will be held during this general session.
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Discussion Meet Final Four Round (Morning General Session)
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Breakout Session 1
Info: See breakout session descriptions in the "breakout sessions" tab.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Refreshment Break - Sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Breakout Session 2
Info: See breakout session descriptions in the "breakout sessions" tab.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch Recognition Session
Info: Includes announcement of the 2027 YAP contest winners.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM
Breakout Session 3
Info: See breakout session descriptions in the "breakout sessions" tab.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Refreshment Break - made possible by Nationwide
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Breakout Session 4
Info: See breakout session descriptions in the "breakout sessions" tab.
🕑: 03:30 PM - 03:35 PM
Attendance Prizes & Send Off
Info: Be sure to stick around until the very end for the chance to win some quality prizes!
Breakout Sessions
Building Connection Through Social Media
Host: Dan Venteicher, the IowaDairyFarmer
Info: With more than 2.5 million followers across social media, Dan has learned that people are not looking for polished perfection--they want honesty and transparency. In this session, he shares how farmers can use real stories, everyday moments, and open conversations to build trust and connect consumers with the people behind their food.
Data Centers and What They Mean for Agriculture
Host: Leah Curtis, Ohio Farm Bureau
Info: In this breakout, we will discuss the state of data center development across Ohio and the concerns raised by agriculture and rural communities. This session will also provide background on development and legal procedures.
Exploring Agricultural Diversification - Building a Sustainable Future
Info: Discover practical ways to stay competitive and profitable in agriculture without expanding in size. This interactive breakout session will explore diversification strategies that help operations grow smarter, not just bigger. Attendees will join topic-specific groups to ask questions, share experiences, and gain insight from both peers and industry experts.
Farm Policy Outlook
Host: Brian Glenn, American Farm Bureau Federation
Info: What are the top issues impacting rural America? Hear from Brian Glenn on American Farm Bureau Federation's Government Affairs Team as he presents a farm policy outlook and issue update regarding Farm Bureau priorities. Get an update on priorities and actions taken by Congress and the Trump 47 Administration and a preview of upcoming potential regulatory and congressional activities in 2027.
From Today to Tomorrow: Preparing Financially for Whatever’s Next
Host: Micah Mensing, Farm Credit Mid-America
Info: At Farm Credit Mid-America, we understand that your operation is more than a business, it’s your legacy. This session will focus on the broader financial considerations that come with buying a farm, expanding it and finally, passing it on. We’ll discuss trends we’re seeing across agriculture, common planning gaps, and opportunities to strengthen your operation’s readiness for the future.
Grain Marketing 101
Host: Bailey Elchinger, StoneX
Info: Learn the basics of what goes into a grain marketing plan.
Grain Marketing 102
Host: Bailey Elchinger, StoneX
Info: Take the next steps in your grain marketing plan with more advanced tools and ideas.
How Young Ag Leaders Build Influence Early
Host: Presented by Nationwide
Info: Want to grow as a leader in agriculture but not sure where to start? Join this panel discussion to hear how young ag professionals can build influence early through community involvement, advocacy, leadership opportunities, and meaningful industry connections. You’ll leave with practical ideas for stepping up, standing out, and turning participation into real leadership momentum.
Making the Jump Back to the Farm: A Panel of Young Farmers
Info: This panel explores the decision and transition of returning to the family farm- or taking the leap into ag as a first generation farmer. Panelists will share their personal journeys, including the opportunities, challenges, and financial/family dynamics that come with building a future in production ag. Attendees will gain insight into how to navigate the transition, find their role, and set themselves up for long-term success in farming.
Modern Hay & Straw Production: Building a Sustainable Operation
Info: Join a panel of experienced hay and straw producers as they share what's working in their operations, lessons learned through challenges, and how they're building sustainable businesses for the future. Topics will include cost of production, marketing strategies, high-capacity small square balers, emerging technologies, and innovations that can improve efficiency and profitability. Bring your questions and take advantage of this interactive discussion designed to provide practical takeaways for producers at every stage of their operation.
Ohio Livestock Outlook
Info: Join leaders from the major livestock commodity groups for a rapid-fire update on current market trends, economic indicators, and emerging regulatory insights to help you position your operation for success.
Own the Room, Own Your Story: Building Your Brand & Presence as a Leader
Host: Emily Sword, Inspire PR
Info: Whether you're a first-time leader or looking to expand your influence, how you show up matters just as much as what you do—your presence, communication, and confidence shape your credibility and opportunities. This session will help you define a clear personal brand and strengthen your executive presence so you can lead with confidence in any setting. You’ll leave with practical strategies to communicate your value, build trust, and show up with clarity and influence when it matters most.
The Drone Dividend: Industry Insiders on Capitalizing on Aerial Innovation
Info: Discover the cutting-edge role of drones in modern farming through this comprehensive panel bringing together local industry experts to talk drone production, risk management, and entrepreneurial endeavors.
The Profitable Steward: Building a Regenerative Farm Business That Lasts
Host: Jared Sorensen, The Profitable AgSteward
Info: Many farmers and ranchers are improving soil health and livestock performance but still struggle with profitability, cash flow, and long-term sustainability. In this practical and inspiring session, Jared Sorensen will share key principles for building a regenerative agricultural business that creates healthy land, healthy finances, and a lasting legacy. Participants will leave with actionable ideas to improve profitability, strengthen stewardship, and create a business that serves both their family and their purpose.
Where Medicine Meets Agriculture: The First Five Minutes That Matter Most
Host: Katie Hammock, The Dairy Wife
Info: Farm families are often the first responders when tragedy happens on the farm. In this session, Katie Hammock — ER nurse, farm wife, and agricultural safety educator — shares powerful lessons from both the emergency room and real-life farm experiences to help families feel more prepared when every second counts. Attendees will leave with practical tools, greater confidence, and a better understanding of how the first five minutes of an emergency can change everything.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 175.00
