COLUMBUS – Farmers, agribusiness professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs from across the state are invited to attend marketing workshops offered by the Ohio Farm and Food Institute, a new initiative by Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) that was created to bring professional development and networking opportunities to the farm and food industry.

“Marketing: Branding and Social Media Strategy” will be offered April 5 in Wilmington and April 8 in Hartville. The workshop takes place 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day with experts sharing their strategies for growing their businesses. A continental breakfast and lunch is included, along with a farm and food policy update and networking.

The featured presenter is Marlene Eick, co-owner of Herdmark Media, and will include dynamic panelists Greg Lehman, co-owner of Watershed Distillery; Shannon Rodocker, founder of Remember Marketing LLC; and Quinton Keeran, director of communications for Ohio Pork Council.

As a small business owner, the idea of marketing online can feel overwhelming. Eick will discuss websites, social media platforms, online content, blog posts and live video and will help attendees begin by considering their brand’s story and then creating a strategy to share it with a target market. Panelists will share their challenges and successes and offer insights that attendees can take to improve their business.

Registration is $30 for Farm Bureau members and $50 for non-members, with special rates for group members of Ohio Farm Bureau. To register or for more information, visit ohiofarmandfood.org or contact any county Farm Bureau office. Office information is available at ofbf.org/counties.