ohio farm bureau federation

Farm Bureau's greatest strength lies in its grassroots approach to policymaking and problem solving. Advisory Councils are the foundation of this process. Councils are groups of couples and singles that meet regularly to develop camaraderie and community while discussing farm and family topics. Currently there are more than 400 Advisory Councils in the state. The Advisory Council program is unique to Ohio, and media and legislators often take note of council feedback.

Advisory Councils discuss current topics of interest in agriculture and provide feedback to OFBF. This feedback plays an important role in providing OFBF member viewpoints on issues. Because council members receive information and discuss it, they can be some of the most informed members on current issues affecting agriculture.

Click here to learn how Farm Bureau members influence policy and provide a voice for agriculture in our new brochure, "The Influence of Advisory Councils."

Advisory Council county leaders help to develop Advisory Councils, conduct new member meetings and implement appropriate activities and seminars.

Council resources and discussion topics

Council discussion materials are included in each issue of Buckeye Farm News. A printable recording sheet is available, as is an online recording sheet, attendance and roll card, and council roster. You can also download copies of a minutes sheet for your council, or use the online version.

Councils provide a grassroots voice for agiculture. Councils have direct input to the policy development and decision making process through discussion and sharing of ideas. Councils can use our Advisory Councils Speak Out on Policy sheet to formally submit their ideas to Ohio Farm Bureau. Download a non-electronic copy or use the electronic submission form.

Current Advisory Council Discussion Guide Topics

Here are the Nov. 17, 2011 Buckeye Farm News Advisory Council discussion questions and related story. These are to be used for December and January council meetings.

Advisory Council Fun Sheets and Bonus Brainbuster

Advisory councils enjoy having fun. One favorite tradtion of many councils is the Advisory Council Fun Sheet. Click here for this year's edition, the monthly Bonus Brainbuster and all other council supplies.

Councils gather regularly in each other's homes; each council determines when and where to meet. Council feedback to each topic is compiled at Ohio Farm Bureau.

A new online advisory council has been started. Created and managed by Ohio Farm Bureau members, Ohio's Advisory Council is a closed group on Facebook discussing the important issues facing Ohio agriculture. Ohioans are invited to participate on their own time, as they are willing and able. To join the group, go to http://bit.ly/OhiosAdvisoryCouncil and click Request to Join.

For more information about the advisory council program, contact the county Farm Bureau office.