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In mid-September, more than 100 Ohio Farm Bureau members, including Warren County Farm Bureau President Jennifer Bullock, traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit face-to-face with lawmakers about issues that could have major implications for Farm Bureau members across Ohio.

This year’s trip to the nation’s capital included county Farm Bureau presidents and vice presidents along with Ohio Farm Bureau Young Ag Professionals and members of the AgriPOWER Class XIII leadership institute

“To have over 100 Ohio Farm Bureau members, all diverse in their roles in Ohio agriculture, come together to meet with legislators in Washington D.C. is what our organization is all about,” said Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson. “We had a lot to discuss as we visited the Hill, and we always appreciate the opportunity to make our voices heard on behalf of all of our members across Ohio.”

Topics covered during Bullock’s visit with Congressman Mike Carey on Capitol Hill included the 2023 Farm Bill, operational costs associated with inflation and supply chain breakdowns, climate change, and impacts of EPA limiting agriculture technology approvals.

“My trip to Washington, D.C. was just like the title-A LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE. It was certainly organized very well. Having our presidents trip combined with YAP and AgriPOWER was a great combination of ages! The congressional visit with Steve Chabot’s office was amazing. I shared this with Hamilton County,” Bullock explaind. “We conversed about topics such as the possibility of the railroad shutting down, backed up meat processors and how that is affecting the supply chain for food distribution. Fuel prices, broadband and the 2023 Farm bill was also a discussion. Being able to network with other leaders throughout the state and sharing information on how other counties run their board was very beneficial to me. Overall, very thankful for this amazing opportunity once again.”

Ohio Farm Bureau leaders also heard from both of Ohio’s U.S. Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown, as well as many members of Congress during a Farm Forum, hosted by Congressman Bob Gibbs (OH-07) and Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12).

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.

Photo caption: (left to right) – Christine Shanholtz, Katrina Swinehart Held, Ashley Rose, Jennifer Bullock, and Kameron Rinehart.