Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF)

News & Events

facebook twitter youtube

Member of the News Media?

Reporters, please visit our news room located in the Media and Publications section of this site.

Applications are being accepted for the 2011-2012 AgriPOWER Institute class.

Applications being accepted for 2011-2012 AgriPOWER Institute

Published Mar. 31, 2011

Ohio Farm Bureau is seeking applicants for the 2011-2012 class of its yearlong agriculture leadership and advocacy program, AgriPOWER Institute.

This article has 0 Comments

Play video above about OFBF's Presidents Trip to D.C.

Ohio farmers bring issues to Congressional delegates

Published Mar. 23, 2011

American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Pat Wolff calls this time of year “Farm Bureau season” in Washington, D.C. The annual late winter and early spring migration of more than 4,000 Farm Bureau members from across the country to Capitol Hill brings the voice of farmers to lawmakers.

This article has 0 Comments

You can learn more about Ohio Farm Bureau's budget priorities by visiting http://bit.ly/ofbfbudget.

Agriculture programs among those facing cuts in state budget proposal

Published Mar. 23, 2011

The Ohio Department of Agriculture would see its funding drop by just under 9 percent in a two-year state budget proposed by Gov. John Kasich.

This article has 0 Comments

[160x120]_cy_prettyman_followfarming_vid_still_320x240.jpg

Play video above to hear Marion County Farm Bureau's Cy Prettyman explain the Follow Farming project.

From Seed to Market: "Follow Farming" through innovative local project

Published Mar. 23, 2011

For seven months, Marion County Farm Bureau leaders and others will be documenting the growth of the corn and soybean crops through its "Follow Farming" social media campaign. Along the way, they'll show the process from seed to harvest to market.

This article has 0 Comments

Feedstocks are delivered to quasar energy group's facility in Wooster.

Biogas expansion in Ohio relies on manure, other wastes generated on the farm

Published Mar. 23, 2011

A new regional biogas plant and more than a dozen anaerobic digesters in the works are helping Ohio increase its presence in the renewable energy industry.

This article has 0 Comments

Gov. John Kasich joined OFBF staff and others when he signed a bill establishing Ohio Agriculture Week.

Legislature designates Ohio Agriculture Week March 14 to 18

Published Mar. 23, 2011

Gov. John Kasich recently signed House Bill 89, sponsored by State Rep. Tim Derickson (R-Hanover Township), which designates the second full week of March as Ohio Agriculture Week to honor the state’s agriculture community.

This article has 0 Comments

Chesapeake Bay lawsuit is about proper path to a clean environment

Published Mar. 23, 2011

A lawsuit filed by the American Farm Bureau Federation is challenging the approach that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking to regulate pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.

This article has 0 Comments

Questions about higher food costs can provide an opportunity to examine the complex food production system.

Putting higher food prices into context

Published Mar. 23, 2011

Food prices will be higher this year and that means farmers have an opportunity to help politicians, the media and the public understand more about the complex task of putting food on the table.

This article has 0 Comments

PUCO Chairman Todd Snitchler

PUCO calls off new motor vehicle rules

Published Mar. 23, 2011

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has rescinded administrative rules applying to private commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds operating in intrastate commerce.

This article has 0 Comments

Ohio EPA office helps businesses comply with regulation

Published Mar. 23, 2011

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has created an office to help businesses comply with regulations and identify pollution prevention opportunities that can save money, increase efficiency and benefit the environment.

This article has 0 Comments

Mark Kvamme, left, a California venture capitalist, is leading Ohio's efforts to retain and attract jobs.

Development director: Ohio has great potential for attracting new businesses

Published Mar. 23, 2011

The head of the newly created JobsOhio wants to make one thing clear – the Department of Development is not going to be eliminated.

This article has 0 Comments

Ohio House Speaker William Batchelder, l, and OFBF Executive Vice President Jack Fisher.

Ohio House speaker urges OFBF members to keep talking with legislators

Published Mar. 23, 2011

Calling the Ohio House of Representatives the “people’s house,” House Speaker William Batchelder said he would like hearings to be more accessible to the general public.

This article has 0 Comments

In some rural areas, large animal veterinarians are in short supply.

Bill would address veterinarian shortage

Published Mar. 23, 2011

The U.S. House this month passed a bill that would help increase the number of veterinarians working in livestock and food animal practices and in key public health fields. The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging the Senate to follow suit.

This article has 0 Comments

Commentary: 7 reasons why we need Cooperative Extension in the 21st century

Published Mar. 23, 2011

This commentary comes from Jim Langcuster, author of the blog Mission Extension. We’d love to hear your thoughts on why Cooperative Extension matters. Post them at www.facebook.com/ohiofarmbureau. You can read Langcuster’s blog at missionextension.wordpress.com.

This article has 0 Comments

Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee addresses Ohio Farm Bureau's Bringing it to the Table conference.

Fresh thinking for Ohio’s food community

Published Mar. 23, 2011

From feeding local communities to feeding a booming global population, Ohio Farm Bureau’s recent Bringing it to the Table conference brought together a diverse group from Ohio’s food community to inspire creative collaboration in pursuit of new opportunities.

This article has 0 Comments

[160x120]_OFBF_three_region_map_320x240.jpg

OFBF moves to three regions

Published Mar. 23, 2011

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation has transitioned to three supervisory regions: North, East and South.

This article has 0 Comments

'Seed Soil Sun: Earth’s Recipe for Food" by Cris Peterson

Seed Soil Sun named children’s book of the year

Published Mar. 23, 2011

The recipient of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s 2011 Award for Children’s Literature is 'Seed Soil Sun: Earth’s Recipe for Food' by Cris Peterson.

This article has 0 Comments

'Our Ohio' commemorative canning basket

Ohio Farm Bureau, Longaberger to offer special 'Our Ohio' basket

Published Mar. 23, 2011

Ohio Farm Bureau and The Longaberger Company have partnered to create a commemorative canning basket featuring Farm Bureau’s consumer brand 'Our Ohio'.

This article has 0 Comments

Video contest highlights Ohioans’ connections to agriculture

Published Mar. 23, 2011

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s Center for Food and Animal Issues is inviting Ohioans to share how food and farming touches their lives in the “My Ohio Agriculture – What’s Our Connection?” video contest.

This article has 0 Comments

Nationwide News: Help young riders avoid injury

Published Mar. 23, 2011

All Terrain Vehicles are frequently used on the farm or ranch to haul supplies or get to the field, but ATVs often serve another purpose: recreation. Unfortunately, children are frequently victims of accidents on ATVs.

This article has 0 Comments

Shelby County Farm Bureau received $500 to implement its school garden project.

County Farm Bureau nets grant to help kids grow school garden

Published Mar. 23, 2011

Shelby County Farm Bureau received a $500 mini-grant from the White-Reinhardt Fund For Education to help local elementary school children grow their own school garden.

This article has 0 Comments

Livestock board has difficult decisions ahead

Published Mar. 23, 2011

After nearly a year of work, dozens of meetings and thousands of public comments, the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board is close to completing Ohio’s initial standards for farm animal well-being.

This article has 0 Comments

Ohio Reps. Jean Schmidt and Bob Gibbs recently held a congressional hearing on pesticide regulations.

Ohio lawmakers fight regulatory redundancy

Published Mar. 23, 2011

Ohio Reps. Jean Schmidt and Bob Gibbs have led an effort to reduce regulatory burdens that will harm Ohio farmers and other businesses and create needless expense for Ohio taxpayers.

This article has 0 Comments

[160x120]_Membership_Week_11_320x2401.jpg

Ohio Farm Bureau Membership Week Giveaway Opportunties

Published Mar. 21, 2011

Here's your chance to win some goodies for you participation in Ohio Farm Bureau's Membership Week!

This article has 3 Comments

[160x120]_Membership_Week_11_320x240.jpg

Attend the

Join in on "Ohio Farm Bureau Membership Week"

Published Mar. 21, 2011

Ohio Farm Bureau is only able to do the work it does on behalf of Ohio farmers, food and agriculture because of the dues from its members. Learn the importance of membership, its benefits to all, and have a bit of fun by joining "Membership Week" on Facebook.

This article has 0 Comments

[160x120]_FB_presidents_trip2011_forum_320x240.jpg

A portion of county Farm Bureau presidents take in the agricultural issues forum hosted by Speaker of the House Tuesday.

It's Farm Bureau season in Washington, D.C.

Published Mar. 15, 2011

Ohio's county Farm Bureau presidents are among 4,000 Farm Bureau members that will make the journey to Capitol Hill to share important agriculture issues with lawmakers. They prepped for Congressional visits on Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

This article has 0 Comments

[160x120]_Kasich_Zehringer_AgVideo_Still_320x240.jpg

Click the video above to watch an agricultural message from Kasich and Zehringer.

Zehringer declares Ohio's doors are wide open for agribusiness

Published Mar. 15, 2011

Ohio Department of Agriculture Director James Zehringer, in celebration of National Agriculture Week, announced the department’s commitment to promoting economic development in the state by declaring “Ohio’s doors are wide open for agribusiness”.

This article has 0 Comments

County Farm Bureau Presidents return to Washington

Published Mar. 14, 2011

Ohio's county Farm Bureau Presidents take to Washington, D.C. for 65th time to share agriculture issues and concerns with Ohio lawmakers.

This article has 0 Comments

[160x120]_THO_Dave_White_NRCS_320x240.jpg

Click the video above to catch a preview of NRCS Chief Dave White in the Town Hall Ohio studio.

NRCS Chief talks conservation, farm bill, water quality on Town Hall Ohio

Published Mar. 11, 2011

Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) Chief Dave White talks the issues on the March 12-13 edition of Town Hall Ohio. Here's a video preview.

This article has 0 Comments

[160x120]_County_FarmBureau_Map_320x2401.jpg

March is among the busiest times of year for county Farm Bureaus.

March is busy time for county Farm Bureaus

Published Mar. 10, 2011

From hearty breakfasts and scholarships, to workshops for beginning farmers and getting back to basics, to new online projects and initiatives to connect with your local farmers, Ohio’s county Farm Bureaus are certainly busy this month. Here's an overview of what's happening across the state.

This article has 0 Comments

Conservation Farm Family Award Nominations Sought

Published Mar. 4, 2011

Nominations now being accepted for 2011 Conservation Farm Family Awards, which recognize Ohio farm families doing an outstanding job managing natural and human resources in meeting production and conservation goals.

This article has 0 Comments

Agriculture's role in food cost discussion

Published Mar. 2, 2011

The price of food is a hot topic. Discussions about everything from Egyptian political unrest to climate change to economic recovery have economists, activists, politicians and bloggers talking about food prices. Farmers should be too.

This article has 0 Comments

FDA rethinks expanded milk testing proposal

Published Mar. 2, 2011

The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing its plan to expand milk testing after the dairy industry and state regulators criticized the methodology.

This article has 0 Comments

Jack Fisher

OFBF supports performance audits for state government

Published Feb. 24, 2011

In a letter to Ohio lawmakers, Ohio Farm Bureau outlined its support for House Bill 2, which would advance the concept of performance audits for many state agency programs and activities.

This article has 0 Comments

OFBF President Brent Porteus at the Estate Tax Rally.

Putting estate taxes to rest

Published Feb. 24, 2011

During Ohio Farm Bureau's Ag Day at the Capitol, hundreds of Ohio farmers gathered to support legislation that would repeal Ohio's estate tax. The tax is particularly burdensome for farmers because it can force their heirs to sell land or take out loans to settle the estate.

This article has 0 Comments

OFBF is looking to partner with like-minded organizations to continue youth devopment in Ohio.

Youth program has storied past, new opportunities

Published Feb. 24, 2011

The goal of Farm Bureau’s youth program hasn’t changed much – to provide youths with important life skills, find future ag leaders and build relationships. Today, with young people being involved in so many activities, Farm Bureau is looking at ways to make the most of its youth programs

This article has 0 Comments

Truck weight rules could impact business

Published Feb. 24, 2011

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio is wrapping up listening sessions regarding rule changes placing regulatory burdens on vehicles traveling within Ohio with a 10,000- to 26,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating.

This article has 0 Comments

Buckeye Farm News Briefs - 2-24-11

Published Feb. 24, 2011

The Ohio Division of Wildlife is holding open houses. | Clean Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program applications are available. | A Kansas State study shows meat sales decline when media attention is given to animal welfare issues. | HSUS is working on a ballot measure in Washington state.

This article has 0 Comments

Ohio hopes to develop a marketing agreement that will fit the needs of all producers.

Ohio Produce Marketing Agreement addresses food safety concerns

Published Feb. 24, 2011

As federal officials continue to work on national food safety standards, Ohio farm groups are developing their own guidelines to better fit the needs of the state’s diverse farming community.

This article has 0 Comments

OFBF Director of Energy Policy Dale Arnold

Patience, caution pays off for Ohio landowners on gas lease agreements

Published Feb. 24, 2011

In eastern Ohio, the big land rush is on, driven by natural gas and oil exploration. The payout for property owners who lease out their land can be huge or pitiful, depending on the terms of the lease.

This article has 1 Comment

The Grand Lake St. Marys watershed was designated as a

New Ohio rules establish ‘watersheds in distress’

Published Feb. 24, 2011

Rules recently adopted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) allow the agency to take additional action to address water quality issues, such as those that have occurred at Grand Lake St. Marys.

This article has 0 Comments

Photo Credit: istockphoto.com

Deregulation of genetically modified alfalfa stirs debate about 'coexistence'

Published Feb. 24, 2011

USDA announced it would fully deregulate Round-Up Ready alfalfa, calling for “coexistence” between growers who use genetically modified crops and those who don’t. Groups such as American Farm Bureau Federation and National Corn Growers Association welcomed the decision.

This article has 0 Comments

Chad Endsley provides an explanation why some farmers may see land rental rates increase.

Farmland rental rates increasing? Land stewardship may trump price.

Published Feb. 24, 2011

Interest in renting farmland continues to be strong, as some farmers look for more land to try to take advantage of high crop values.

This article has 0 Comments

Farm Bureau members gathered to discuss and vote on the organization's policies.

Farmers set national policy on agricultural issues for 2011

Published Feb. 24, 2011

Delegates at American Farm Bureau Federation’s 92nd Annual Meeting voted to maintain a strong farm income safety net, address dairy price volatility and urge greater oversight of regulatory actions by the Environmental Protection Agency.

This article has 0 Comments

FACE TO FACE: Ohio public officials farmers should get to know

Published Feb. 24, 2011

Ohio’s government continues to see new faces in leadership positions as a result of last November’s election and Gov. John Kasich’s cabinet appointments.

This article has 0 Comments

Fairfield County and Fulton County Farm Bureau members display their projects during AFBF's annual meeting.

County Farm Bureaus recognized for outstanding programming

Published Feb. 24, 2011

Fairfield and Funton County Farm Bureaus were recognized by American Farm Bureau for innovative new program ideas in the 2011 County Activities of Excellence program. They were among 15 local Farm Bureaus selected nationally to share their successful efforts in an exhibit at AFBF’s annual meeting.

This article has 0 Comments

OFB Foundation awards grants for local programs

Published Feb. 24, 2011

The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation (Foundation) continues to develop programs helping smaller, community-based groups and has awarded
a series of Agricultural Action and Awareness Grants for the 2011 program year.

This article has 0 Comments

Save on farm insurance

Published Feb. 24, 2011

Your farm’s long-term success is ultimately about profitability. While controlling expenses is one critical component of profitability, so is protecting your farm’s or ranch’s assets with the right insurance and risk management tools. How can you strike a balance between savings and security?

This article has 0 Comments

Emily Krueger was the first Ohioian to compete in the Collegiate Discussion Meet and took home the top prize.

Wayne County student wins Collegiate Discussion Meet

Published Feb. 24, 2011

Emily Krueger of West Salem, Ohio was named the winner of the 2011 American Farm Bureau Federation Collegiate Discussion Meet held recently during the AFBF Young Farmer and Rancher Conference in Orlando.

This article has 0 Comments

OD Amanda Denes; Ted Zunis, Erie County; Jeff Belmont, county membership coordinator; NE Supervisor Danielle DuFour

Farm Bureau membership can have financial rewards

Published Feb. 24, 2011

In Northeast Ohio, as part of this year’s membership campaign, each county Farm Bureau in the region donated $100 to establish a $2,000 membership renewal promotion. In Paulding County, $2,500 was awarded as part of Farm Bureau's Property Protection program.

This article has 0 Comments

News & Events

Connect

Recent Articles

Member of the News Media?