Published May. 16, 2013
The Senate Agriculture Committee and the House Committee on Agriculture have both marked up and reported out Farm Bills this week. Both bills passed respective committees. It is anticipated that the Senate bill will have floor consideration by the full Senate next week. The House has not yet scheduled the bill for a floor vote but the ultimate deadline is September 30 when the current 9-month extension of the 2008 Farm Bill expires.
Humane agents and first responders received hands-on training with livestock.
Published May. 16, 2013
When I’m assigned to visit a farm and capture a story about Ohio agriculture, I find things work best when I generally stay out of the way. That’s especially true when the story is about rounding up a few thousand-pound animals that were intentionally set loose.
Published May. 15, 2013
Many farmers utilize all purpose vehicles (APV) or all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on their farms. While APVs can be extremely helpful to farmers, they can also create problems when they are used to trespass on farm property. Ohio Farm Bureau has a brochure available to members in its legal information series that covers issues related to APVs that farmers may encounter.
Published May. 14, 2013
Farmers are in fields, neighbors are in gardens, and Ohio's county Farm Bureaus are gearing up for a summer full of activities. Catch up with what's happening this month.
Published May. 13, 2013
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency announced that farm payments, which had been temporarily suspended due to sequestration, resumed May 8.
Published May. 9, 2013
Networking and staying involved in the farming community are key for young people in the agriculture industry. Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals (YAP) program for 18 to 35-year-olds, provides many opportunities for young people in agriculture to further develop themselves.
Published May. 8, 2013
With the window to respond to the 2012 Census of Agriculture officially closing May 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is urging farmers and ranchers not to miss this opportunity to be counted and help determine the future of farming in America.
Published May. 6, 2013
Planting season is fully underway in Ohio. Here's a peek at updates directly from Ohio farmers as they work to get their crops in the ground.
Published May. 2, 2013
Springtime means that farmers are busy with preparing for and starting planting. Ohio State University’s Ag Safety and Health Program's Health and Safety Coordinator Kent McGuire recently shared some reminders and information to keep farmers and others safe on the farm, and around farm equipment.
Published Apr. 25, 2013
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation issued the following statement following the launch of a new Ohio initiative by the Washington D.C. -based Humane Society of the United States.
Published Apr. 24, 2013
Yvonne Lesicko, senior director of legislative and regulatory policy, discusses Farm Bureau concerns with federal tax reform that were addressed with working groups of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Published Apr. 24, 2013
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced his intent to transfer $156 million from the direct payment program to several other Farm Service Agency programs due to sequestration cuts. Yvonne Lesicko, senior director of legislative and regulatory policy, discusses this announcement.
American Farm Bureau graphic showing how countries around the world help farmers manage risk.
Published Apr. 24, 2013
Yvonne Lesicko, OFBF senior director of legislative and regulatory affairs, discusses where Farm Bill progress stands.
Farm Bureau is a part of The Agricultural Workforce Coalition.
Published Apr. 24, 2013
Senior Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Yvonne Lesicko gives an update on immigration reform and the inclusion of solutions for agriculture in the recently introduced immigration reform bill.
Published Apr. 23, 2013
Vice President of the Center for Food and Animal Issues Mike Bumgarner recognizes Dr. Leah Dorman, director of food programs, for receiving the National Institute for Animal Agriculture's 2013 President's Award.
Sen. Cliff Hite visiting with Farm Bureau leaders at an AGGPAC sponsored luncheon.
Published Apr. 23, 2013
Director of Political Education Doug Foxx discusses several events recently sponsored by AGGPAC, and shares how members can keep the lines of communication open and work toward creating stronger relationships with government officials.
Published Apr. 23, 2013
The May 10 deadline for farmers to have completed a Spill Prevention, Containment and Control Plan (SPCC) is quickly approaching, but EPA will not enforce this rule on farms until Sept. 30.
Fager, far right, with the CYF girls on the Farm to Fork Food Dialogues planning committee.
Published Apr. 18, 2013
Ohio State agricultural communication student and Collegiate Young Farmers’ Farm Bureau Liaison Kelly Fager explains why she is involved in the club and the goals the officers set for the club in the upcoming year.
Published Apr. 17, 2013
Nationwide explains how to apply ergonomics to farm work, to reduce stress on the body and increase safety.
Published Apr. 17, 2013
Lawmakers are now examining Gov. John Kasich’s broad tax reform proposal. The budget bill calls for significant changes to Ohio’s tax structure and many voices will be weighing in on the debate to determine where the money will come from to fund state government programs.
Published Apr. 17, 2013
Dealing with government can be intimidating. But public participation is necessary to ensure policymakers understand the needs of their constituents, that rules are reasonable and programs are responsive to taxpayers. That’s where Farm Bureau can help. It provides its members with a number of opportunities to connect with public officials, to learn about laws and regulations and to shape the debate. The organization’s grassroots process gives it its credibility and its power.
Mike Schumm, an Ohio Farm Bureau state trustee, teaches kids about ag as part of the projects developed by his council.
Published Apr. 17, 2013
Ohio Farm Bureau’s Community Council program provides an opportunity for Farm Bureau members to come together to discuss local issues and then take action. Here’s an example of how the Farmers R Us Community Council, made up of seven couples in Van Wert County, took on Ag in the Classroom as one of their community activities for the year.
Published Apr. 17, 2013
Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute and high school agricultural education are facing big changes. Farmers are passionate about these programs and will need to get engaged with local school districts and legislators to determine if proposed changes will be beneficial or detrimental to local programs.
Students learning about agriculture at Seneca County Farm Bureau's 'Our Ohio... Your Backyard' program.
Published Apr. 17, 2013
Farm Bureau members across the state are passionate about bringing awareness of agriculture to students who do not live on a farm. Some ways they do this includes in-class demonstrations, using technology for distance learning or hosting field trips for students. Here are two examples of recent agricultural awareness programs with schools.
Past Farm Bureau interns (l to r): Suzie McMullen, Matthew Cook, Caroline Weihl, Derek McCracken and Lauren Fehlan.
Published Apr. 12, 2013
Last week five recent Ohio Farm Bureau interns were recognized for their achievements at the Kentucky Derby themed Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Recognition Banquet. They also were all prominently featured as part of the committee who planned and executed the elaborate event..
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