Farmer’s Guide to Trucking Regulations available to Ohio Farm Bureau members
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
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The last time we had a council discussion packet for distribution was within days of when the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. Given quarantine and social distancing guidelines, Farm Bureau followed Ohio Department of Health orders and supported suspension of Community Council meetings.
Gov. Mike DeWine recently lifted the state mask mandate and all remaining coronavirus health orders except those for nursing homes and assisted living facilities on June 2. Many council members have received COVID-19 vaccinations, too.
Here are some discussion guides to get you back into a regular meeting schedule. Ohio Farm Bureau values input from community councils, which contribute to the grassroots policy making process for the organization.
Individuals, family partnerships and family corporations own over 98% of our nation’s farms and ranches. Yet, our nation’s estate tax policy can be in direct conflict with the desire to preserve and protect these family-owned operations. Current proposals in Washington, D.C. would eliminate stepped-up basis, double capital gains tax rates and charge a new capital gains tax at death on the appreciation of assets like farmland.
Farms are often kept in the family for many years. Tracking the appreciation of land and equipment over a period of decades would be extremely complex, and the value of land is likely to have increased so much that without stepped-up basis the next generation of farmers and ranchers could be forced to sell the land just to pay the taxes.
This Discussion Guide asks your council to compose a letter and send it to your congressional representatives.
Additional information/materials on this subject:
Farm Bureau is directed by its members. They define action programs, legislative priorities and regulatory positions on issues affecting farmers and rural communities through the organization’s policy development process. Group discussion and input are the basic features of this grassroots approach that leads to the creation of policy positions that guide the Farm Bureau at local, state and national levels.
Farm Bureau has several opportunities where members can pursue their interests and discuss current issues impacting agriculture, food production and their community. This guide explores how community stakeholders get involved in policy discussion, as well as highlights the Community Council’s role in this process. We hope your group can provide valuable input to you county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee, too.
Additional information and materials on this subject:
2021 Ohio Agriculture and Rural Communities Action Plan: OFBF is calling on policymakers to work with the organization to implement an agenda to help revitalize Ohio agriculture and its rural communities.
Following the Policy Development Process: Farm Bureau members define the positions the organization takes on issues affecting farmers and rural residents through an annual policy development process. The grassroots approach leads to the creation of policy positions that guide legislative and regulatory action by the organization on important issues.
COVID-19 placed a high burden on rural communities and health care services. As the nation bounces back, rural community stakeholders are exploring how their neighborhoods weathered the pandemic and what strategies could be put in place to address similar incidents in the future. Discussion guide
Additional information/materials on this subject:
Community Councils archives, essential forms
Remember, participants are not limited to these discussion topics and materials – Feel free to discuss additional topics and issues generated from the local newspaper, other publications and/or key events happening in your neighborhood.
Need some additional help? Contact your county Farm Bureau office for assistance.
Councils can access the council roster, meeting summary sheet and activity sheet forms online.
Remember to send council meeting forms and correspondence directly to the county Farm Bureau.
Many of Farm Bureau’s action plans started with conversation around a kitchen table, living room or front porch; lively discussion continues to develop using web applications, too.
To join a community council, contact the county Farm Bureau office.
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
Read More
The emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of summer gasoline blends containing 15% ethanol will lengthen the period during which Americans can continue buying E15 from June 1 to Sept. 15.
Read MoreThe Small-Scale Food Business Guide covers federal and state regulations for selling food products such as raw meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, cottage foods, fruits and vegetables, honey and more.
Read MoreNew resources and technology are broadening the different types of sales tools and strategies available to farmers.
Read MoreODA will enroll 500,000 acres into the program for a two-week sign-up period, beginning April 22, 2024, through May 6, 2024. Contact local SWCD offices to apply.
Read MoreKatie Share of Columbus has been named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read MoreMary Klopfenstein of Delphos has been named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read MoreThe plan has been updated to give sole proprietors access to more rate stability and a smart solution that offers potential savings on health care.
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 15 for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
Read MoreAdele Flynn of Wellington has been elected treasurer of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and now holds the third highest elected office in Ohio’s largest and most influential farm organization.
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