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Ohio Agriculture Programs for Future Agricultural Leaders
Ohio Corn & Wheat offers Ohio agriculture programs that help students, farmers, and future industry leaders build skills, expand their networks, and become more involved in agriculture.
From scholarships and policy education to farmer leadership development, these programs connect participants with industry professionals, public-policy leaders, and opportunities to serve Ohio agriculture.
Whether you are a college student exploring an agricultural career or a farmer ready to take a larger leadership role, there is a program designed to help you take the next step.
Find the Right Ohio Agriculture Program for You
Ohio Corn & Wheat currently offers opportunities for different stages of agricultural education and leadership:
- College students: Build policy knowledge and professional connections through the Collegiate Policy Academy.
- Students pursuing agriculture-related careers: Apply for scholarships that support education and technical training.
- Ohio corn and wheat farmers: Grow your advocacy and leadership experience through the Emerging Leaders Program.
Collegiate Policy Academy
- To develop future agricultural leaders, specifically interested in corn and small grains.
- To offer college aged students the opportunity to experience the national legislative efforts of growers.
- To introduce young student leaders to Ohio legislators in Washington DC.
- To allow collegiate agriculture leaders the opportunity to network with growers, state staff from other states, and get to know and interact with national corn and wheat staff members.
Collegiate Policy Academy
The Collegiate Policy Academy connects college students with agricultural leaders, policymakers, growers, and industry professionals in Ohio and Washington, D.C.
The program combines public-policy education, networking, professional development, and firsthand exposure to agricultural advocacy.
Important Program Dates
- Application deadline: September 30, 2026
- January 7–8, 2027: Collegiate Policy Academy Professional Development Workshop
- March 8–10, 2027: Washington, D.C. Mission
Participants also attend bi-weekly panels with industry professionals, take part in a CPA retreat, and participate in the Washington, D.C. mission.
Students who complete the program leave with a stronger understanding of agricultural policy, advocacy, and the career opportunities connected to corn and small grains.
What the Program Is Designed to Do
The agricultural policy academy is designed to:
- develop future agricultural leaders interested in corn and small grains;
- give college students firsthand exposure to national legislative advocacy;
- introduce students to Ohio policymakers in Washington, D.C.;
- connect collegiate agriculture leaders with growers and industry professionals; and
- help participants build professional networks across agriculture.
Scholarships for Agricultural Students
Ohio Corn & Wheat invests $15,000 annually in scholarships that support the next generation of agriculture.
These agriculture scholarships in Ohio are available to students pursuing degrees, certificates, or technical training that can contribute to the future of the corn, wheat, and broader agricultural industries.
Eligible areas of study include:
- agriculture
- business
- communication
- economics
- education
- policy
- science
- technology
- technical programs such as welding, agricultural equipment technology, and commercial driver training
Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants must:
- be a member of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association or apply for membership when submitting the scholarship application;
- be enrolled in a college, university, trade school, or technical program for the 2026–2027 school year;
- pursue an eligible field related to agriculture or the industries supporting it;
- demonstrate an interest in a career connected to corn, wheat, or agriculture;
- provide proof of legal residency in Ohio; and
- use scholarship funds for tuition, fees, or books.
Each recipient may receive the Ohio Corn & Wheat scholarship only once.
Applicants may also have the opportunity to apply for National Corn Growers Association scholarships through the consolidated NCGA scholarship application.
Emerging Leaders Program
The Emerging Leaders Program is one of Ohio Corn & Wheat’s agricultural leadership programs for corn and wheat farmers who want to take a more active role beyond their own operation.
The two-day program helps participants better understand Ohio Corn & Wheat’s structure, priorities, advocacy work, market development efforts, and checkoff programs.
Participants engage directly with organization leaders, staff, and other farmers while learning about:
- board governance;
- agricultural policy and advocacy;
- market development;
- checkoff investments;
- Ohio Corn Marketing Program priorities;
- Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program priorities; and
- issues shaping the future of Ohio agriculture.
The program also provides a pathway for farmers who may want to be considered for future service on one of Ohio Corn & Wheat’s boards.
For farmers interested in farmer leadership in Ohio, the program offers practical exposure to how industry organizations operate and how growers can represent agriculture beyond the farm gate.
Why Agricultural Leadership Development Matters
Ohio agriculture depends on more than strong production. It also needs people who understand policy, markets, communication, leadership, and the issues affecting farmers.
Ohio Corn & Wheat’s programs are designed to help participants gain that broader perspective.
Students can build career connections and policy knowledge. Farmers can strengthen their leadership and advocacy skills. Scholarship recipients can pursue education in fields that support agriculture from many different directions.
Together, these opportunities help prepare the next generation of people who will work in, represent, and lead Ohio agriculture.
Education
Ohio Corn & Wheat also provides educational materials for younger audiences and classrooms.
Have Questions About Ohio Corn & Wheat Programs?
Not sure which opportunity is the best fit for you? The Ohio Corn & Wheat team can help you learn more about eligibility, deadlines, membership requirements, and upcoming program opportunities.
