members corner: Brooke White, Ohio State University Collegiate Farmers Union
Friday, October 10th, 2008
A relative newcomer to Farmers Union, Brooke White of Jackson County, Ohio, is already the president of the Ohio State University Collegiate Farmers Union. The Agricultural and Extension Education major and Crop Science minor grew up in southern Ohio where her family has raised laying hens and hogs off and on for the past fourteen years.
Brooke has always been interested in everything that encompasses agriculture and growing up with livestock helped expose her to the industry. Last summer she had the opportunity to learn more about crops through an Early Field Experience internship at the Pike County Extension.
Although having grown up with an agricultural background, Brooke first heard of Farmers Union last year.
“I wanted to get involved while in college so I met with my advisor to see if there were any groups or organizations available that pertained to my major and minor,” Brooke said.
Her advisor mentioned that there was a new chapter starting on campus called the OSU Collegiate Farmers Union. “I was really interested so I went home and went to the NFU and OFU websites to read more about it.”
The OSU Collegiate Farmers Union Chapter was started last year by Kayla Weaver who had heard about similar organizations on other college campuses. She began the OSU chapter so that OSU students could support Farmers Union.
Brooke’s involvement with the collegiate chapter really expanded when she was selected to attend the recent Farmers Union Collegiate Conference in Washington, D.C. While in Washington, she met leaders from other colleges and learned how their organizations operate. She came away with new ideas for developing collegiate membership and for activities to do throughout the year.
As president, Brooke is intending to advertise on campus as much as possible to increase student interest in Farmers Union. She will also work to ensure that all collegiate members gain a better and deeper understanding of the importance of the mission of Farmers Union. Brooke hopes to build the chapter, gaining enough members to participate in community events such as service projects.
“Our purpose will be to provide young people with the opportunity to voice their opinion, give meaning to young people following rural and agricultural ideals and to lay a foundation for the future of America,” Brooke said. “As president, I will be sure to have open discussions during meetings to make sure we can all come to an agreement pertaining to the issues.”
By developing the collegiate chapter, Brooke hopes to see Farmers Union develop throughout the state and to see its message and ideals instilled in others.
