Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF)

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(L-R) OFBF regional supervisor Tiffany Pattison, Jackie Metzger, Lois Sipes, Knox County FB's Diana and Gene Phillips

Property protection is paying off

Published Mar. 12, 2010

OFBF's $2500 reward program has been a good deal for Farm Bureau members and their watchful neighbors in recent months. Here are a few examples.

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Photo by Megan Nadolski

Proposal would allow state-inspected meat to cross state lines

Published Oct. 15, 2009

A new U.S. Department of Agriculture program that would allow state-inspected meat to cross state lines is expected to have a big impact in Ohio.

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In order to pay taxes on inherited land, families can be forced to sell off parts of their farms.

Proposals look to offer relief from Ohio’s estate tax

Published Jan. 21, 2010

Legislation being considered by Ohio lawmakers would reduce Ohio’s estate tax rate and allow local governments to do away with the tax for residents in their jurisdictions.

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Proposed climate legislation fell short

Published Sep. 24, 2010

Ohio Farm Bureau opposed climate change legislation that had come before Congress because it failed to meet several key principles.

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Sen. Chris Widener joins OFBF's Jack Fisher in a discussion about agricultural education opportunities.

Proposed STEM school would focus on agriculture

Published Mar. 21, 2012

Matching up elementary and high school students with Ohio’s largest industry is the goal of a proposed regional STEM school that would focus on agriculture in urban areas.

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Mike Bumgarner, vice president of OFBF’s Center for Food and Animal Issues, speaks during an animal welfare symposium.

Public attitudes shape animal welfare debate

Published Nov. 12, 2009

As Ohio voters considered the best way to set care standards for livestock, researchers attempted to shine a light on the complex science and societal expectations that shape animal care decisions.

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OFBF Executive Vice President Jack Fisher testifies in favor of a bill involving the state's use of bio-based products.

Public Policy and Political Activism

Published Dec. 23, 2009

To Create a Stronger Economy and a Positive Future

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Executive Vice President Jack Fisher encouraged farmers to address the questions that consumers have about agriculture.

Public’s attention has turned toward farmers

Published Dec. 17, 2010

The opportunity to participate in the discussions that shape agriculture is the No. 1 benefit of membership in Ohio Farm Bureau, according to Executive Vice President Jack Fisher.

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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.

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Enactment of HB 476 will ensure that farmers can invest in opportunities such as on-farm anaerobic digestion.

Pulling together

Published Sep. 11, 2012

As lawmakers return from summer recess, here we reflect on a few policy victories Farm Bureau members secured during the first part of the year.

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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.

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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.

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Questions and Answers about the Ohio Ag Agreement

Published Jul. 21, 2010

A listing of OFBF.org links to posts regarding the agreement reached between Ohio agriculture groups, Gov. Ted Strickland and the Humane Society of the United States.

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Steve Rasmussen

Rasmussen: Farm Bureau put Nationwide on path to serve customers

Published Dec. 13, 2011

Nationwide CEO Steve Rasmussen said the company has had good business across the country and feels good about its growth. Specifically, he highlighted a new Master Certified Farm Agent program and estate planning services.

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Visitors to jswest.com can view live streaming video to get a glimpse at what life is like for chickens.

Rebuilding trust key to preserving production

Published Jan. 19, 2011

Animal behavior researcher Temple Grandin stirred some debate at a recent Animal Welfare Symposium at Ohio State University when she asserted that sow gestation stalls should be phased out because “I can’t sell them.”

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Mark Partridge

Reducing the risk of the natural resource curse

Published Oct. 9, 2012

Dr. Mark Partridge, the C. William Swank Chair of Rural-Urban Policy at Ohio State University, recently visited with Ohio Farm Bureau’s state policy development committee to discuss the oil and gas industry and how to avoid what he described as a natural resources curse.

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Registration now open for Safety Congress

Published Feb. 5, 2009

The Ohio Safety Congress & Expo will be held March 31 to April 2 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

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Regulations could add up on farms

Published Aug. 13, 2009

Farm Bureau is working at the national level to defend farmers from what it believes to be onerous regulatory proposals.

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Debbie and Brent Porteus

Remembering Debbie Porteus

Published Aug. 12, 2010

The Farm Bureau family expresses its condolences to the family of Debbie Porteus, wife of OFBF President Brent Porteus, who lost her valiant battle with cancer Aug. 9.

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Lindsay Hill

Remembering Lindsay Hill

Published May. 25, 2011

Ohio agriculture suffered a shocking loss with the tragic death of farm broadcaster Lindsay Hill. She was killed in an auto accident May 19 in western Ohio.

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Rep. Bob Gibbs

Rep. Bob Gibbs discusses EPA/Clean Water Act

Published Jun. 21, 2012

Rep. Bob Gibbs recently spoke with Ohio Farm Bureau Federation about the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) attempt to circumvent Congress and expand its regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act.

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Report shows harm of estate taxes

Published Aug. 16, 2012

The American Farm Bureau Federation said it concurs with a Joint Economic Committee report that details the financial harm posed by estate taxes on family businesses.

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Ohio is the nation's second largest egg producer

Report: Proposed livestock regulations would cost farmers

Published Jun. 10, 2009

A recent report from an Ohio State University economist says that if Ohio were to adopt regulations on animal production similar to those recently passed in California, the state’s egg industry “would be decimated.”

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Researcher Simon Tripp (l) appeared with OFBF's Jack Fisher to discuss the results of Battelle's study on agbioscience.

Report: ‘Agbioscience’ can drive economy, sustainability

Published Sep. 6, 2011

A newly released study from the Columbus-based research and development organization Battelle finds that agriculture and agricultural bioscience — “agbioscience” — are providing crucial wide ranging opportunities for economic growth and job creation in the United States.

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Resolution opposes EPA regulation of greenhouse gases

Published Feb. 22, 2010

Arkansas Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln’s support for a resolution to disapprove the Environmental Protection Agency’s effort to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act could not have come at a better time and reflects true bipartisan concern, according to AFBF President Bob Stallman.

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The site of a tornado in southern Ohio that leveled the home of Richard and Virginia Meyer.

Response to tornado shows meaning of 'On Your Side'

Published Apr. 17, 2012

The Bethel, Ohio, home of Richard and Virginia Meyer had been filled with memories. But now it is nothing but a memory.

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Restrictions aimed at kids working on farms raises concern

Published Nov. 15, 2011

According to the American Farm Bureau, the Department of Labor is proposing new regulations that would limit the ability of kids under the age of 16 to work on the nation’s farms.

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Charlie Arnot

Rethinking consumer outreach would benefit farmers

Published Apr. 20, 2011

New research is showing that the way farmers have traditionally reached out to consumers is not the most effective approach.

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Riding the wind

Published Feb. 4, 2010

In northwest Hardin County, a large farm covering 40,000 acres has been in the works for about 2 ½ years. This farm, however, doesn’t raise crops or animals – it captures the wind.

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Role of local government in question

Published Mar. 12, 2009

As a state commission rethinks local government in Ohio, some township trustees are bristling at notions to consolidate or eliminate the office they hold.

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Hirsch Fruit Farm, the first stop of the progressive dinner

Ross County Farm Bureau to hold progressive farm dinner

Published May. 30, 2012

Ross County Farm Bureau will be hosting “Farm Factor,” a progressive farm dinner Grow and Know event, July 22 for an afternoon of fun and food.

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Ruling on wind farm consistent with OFBF policy

Published Mar. 21, 2012

The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that the Ohio Power Siting Board acted properly in approving the construction and operation of a wind farm in Champaign County, a finding that had been encouraged by Ohio Farm Bureau.

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Stallman

Rural agenda includes jobs, infrastructure

Published Mar. 26, 2009

In comments at a U.S. Department of Agriculture outlook forum, American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman said AFBF is employing a two-pronged approach to improve the quality of life in rural America.

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Rural broadband Internet survey offers prizes

Published Aug. 13, 2009

Ohio Farm Bureau members have the opportunity to win one of six free computers or broadband Internet access for a year by providing feedback on their access to broadband connections.

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Larry Antosch

Rural homeowners face new rules for sewage treatment

Published Mar. 20, 2013

The Ohio Department of Health is working to update its rules for home sewage treatment systems in order to better protect the environment and human health.

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Watch the Issue 2 television ad

Safe, Local Ohio Food launches Statewide Issue 2 outreach

Published Sep. 30, 2009

Ad campaign, Web site, rallies call for YES vote for Issue 2

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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?

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From left, Boggs, Lisa Schacht, Strickland and David Schacht

Schacht Family Market highlighted during Sustainable Agriculture Week

Published Apr. 20, 2010

Farm Bureau members honored by Ohio's First Lady and Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

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Cindy Hollingshead

Scholarship fund honors Hollingshead

Published May. 25, 2011

The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation has established a new scholarship program in memory of long-time Ohio Farm Bureau staff member Cindy Hollingshead, who passed away this year after serving 39 years as the organization’s executive secretary.

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Scholarship programs announced

Published Jan. 6, 2012

Students pursuing agricultural-related areas of study may apply for $1,000 scholarships from the Ohio Agricultural Council, Ohio Soybean Council, Farm Credit Services and United Producers Inc.

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Scholarship programs announced

Published Jan. 9, 2013

The Ohio Agricultural Council, Ohio Soybean Council, Farm Credit Services of Mid-America, United Producers Inc., Miami County Soil and Water Conservation District, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation and several county Farm Bureaus have announced their scholarship offerings for 2013.

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'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.

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Sherrod Brown

Sen. Brown looks for input from Ohio farmers

Published May. 25, 2011

OFBF helped facilitate a listening session for Sen. Sherrod Brown at Patterson Fruit Farm in northeast Ohio as he gathers input for the 2012 Farm Bill.

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Sen. Sherrod Brown discusses the 2012 Farm Bill

Published Jun. 14, 2012

Sen. Sherrod Brown recently called to chat about the Farm Bill with Ohio Farm Bureau's Joe Cornely. Check out what he had to say.

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Listen to Brown and other 'Town Hall Ohio' guests at www.townhallohio.org or subscribe on iTunes, www.bit.ly/THOoniTunes

Sen. Sherrod Brown talks politics, economics

Published Feb. 15, 2012

When new Republican members of Congress are elected, Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown does more than welcome his new Ohio counterparts – he sits down with them to talk about how to improve Ohio.

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Senate bill aims to incentivize biogas

Published Feb. 26, 2009

Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, D, joined a bipartisan group of seven senators in introducing the bill, which seeks to reduce billions of gallons of fossil fuels through renewable energy sources produced from animal waste.

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Senate joins House in support of Livestock Care Standards Board

Published Jun. 25, 2009

Lawmakers vote to give Ohioans an opportunity to support farm animal care in November.

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Fisher spoke in support of a bill introduced by Sen. Karen Gillmor (r) that aims to increase the use of bioproducts Ohio

Senator, farm groups urge state to choose bio-products

Published Jul. 16, 2009

A bill introduced by Sen. Karen Gillmor, R-Tiffin, would implement a program in Ohio to expand the use of bio-products by state agencies.

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Send nominations for Outstanding Crop Adviser

Published Jun. 11, 2009

Once again, county Farm Bureaus, Ohio State University Extension offices and Soil and Water offices will have the opportunity to recognize Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) for their outstanding work with agricultural producers.

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Seneca County’s coats from the Heartland

Published Dec. 23, 2009

Seneca County Farm Bureau collected new and gently used coats in all sizes as part of its “Coats from the Heartland” initiative. Collected coats were distributed to the needy throughout northwest Ohio.

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