Helping beginning farmers get a start, protecting landowners’ rights and coping with rural drug problems were among the priorities set by delegates at the Ohio Farm Bureau’s 99th annual meeting.  

The approved policies set the direction for the organization’s activities in the coming year. 358 delegates representing all county Farm Bureaus participated in the debate and discussion.  

Delegates voted to support beginning farmers by making it easier for them to obtain land, facilities, machinery, livestock and other assets. The organization strengthened its commitment to limiting the power of eminent domain and protecting landowners presented with potential development opportunities. The delegates also reaffirmed their work in local communities to prevent and treat drug addiction and will seek national policy to curtail the over-prescription of opioids.  

Regarding food production and water quality, delegates called for uniform state and federal nutrient applications standards that differentiate between agronomic, economic and environmental thresholds. They also support regulatory review that uses sound science to find water quality solutions that are compatible with productive food production.

Delegates expressed strong support for recent steps taken by Ohio State University Extension to increase the number of educators with practical knowledge that will be of value to the farm community.   

Energy issues were also discussed including the need for investments in energy infrastructure and a balanced approach to incentivizing alternative energy sources.  Other policy votes addressed fuel quality, wildlife management and local infrastructure maintenance.

On national policy issues, OFBF members strongly supported crop insurance and continuation of the harvest price option. They also addressed a vaccine bank for livestock, milk labeling and protection of pollinator habitat.  

More than 600 members and guests attended the meeting in Columbus Dec. 6 – 8. Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.  

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Joe Cornely614-246-8230.

Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
Mandy Way's avatar
Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
Ernie Welch's avatar
Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
Jaclyn De Candio's avatar
Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
Jenna Gregorich's avatar
Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
Jared Hughes's avatar
Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
Austin Heil's avatar
Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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