Reporters, please visit our news room located in the Media and Publications section of this site.
![[160x120]_Heimerl_Kubota_2011OutstandingYoungFarmerHeimerl_KubotaTractor_2011.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Heimerl_Kubota_2011OutstandingYoungFarmerHeimerl_KubotaTractor_2011.jpg)
A Kubota M-series tractor was delivered Tuesday to Matt and Rachel Heimerl of Johnstown, who were named winners of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) 2011 Outstanding Young Farmer Award this past winter.
![[160x120]_Jack_SlateRun_Casual_320x2403.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Jack_SlateRun_Casual_320x2403.jpg)
Ohio Farm Bureau's Jack Fisher discusses the new "Every Member Sign a Member" sweepstakes, in which members can enter to win a truck and several other prizes.
![[160x120]_GrowKnow_Logo_320x240grow_know_logo.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_GrowKnow_Logo_320x240grow_know_logo.jpg){kind=logo}
Muskingum County Farm Bureau has always held a summer picnic for its members, but this year there are plans to change it up. To add more value to the picnic, the organization will be providing opportunity for conversations about the farm and agriculture.
![[160x120]_OFBF_Logo_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_OFBF_Logo_320x240.jpg){kind=logo}
A growing list of oil and gas issues briefings have been scheduled throughout Ohio. The briefings are sponsored by County Farm Bureau Public Policy Action Teams and other civic organizations, and are held to answer questions and concerns about a variety of issues oil and gas issues.
![[160x120]_Lake_Erie_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Lake_Erie_320x240.jpg)
Gov. John Kasich recently signed legislation sponsored by Rep. Lynn Wachtmann that outlines state regulations on water withdrawals, which was the final implementing measure to the Great Lakes Compact.
![[160x120]_Reese_original_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Reese_original_320x240.jpg)
Farmers and ranchers are headed to Los Angeles – the entertainment capital of the world – for the second Food Dialogues event, June 20-21. Four separate discussions – held over two days – will bring together entertainment movers and shakers, chefs, academics, large restaurant operators, journalists, local leaders, farmers and ranchers for an in-depth conversation about food. Ohio Farm Bureau member Kristin Reese will serve as a panelist at one of the four discussions.
![[160x120]_OFBF_Logo_320x2401.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_OFBF_Logo_320x2401.jpg){kind=logo}
Farm Bureau members are urged to review recent changes to an EPA rule prior applying pesticides this year.
Social media has ushered in alternative methods of empowerment and organization. Now, we must pay attention and act upon the trends drawing the line between success and failure for businesses and organizations of the future.
Reaching out to the community is nothing new for Cuyahoga County Farm Bureau.
![[160x120]_Petro1.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Petro1.jpg)
As chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, Jim Petro has a one-word goal – completion. He would like to see students attending Ohio’s 37 universities and community colleges complete their credentials and degrees, whether they are a one-year certificate, two-year degree or four-year degree.
![[160x120]_growandknow.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_growandknow.jpg)
There is a different story to tell about agriculture in each of Ohio’s 88 counties, and many county Farm Bureaus are telling their story by holding “Grow and Know” events.
![[160x120]_brammel_heimerl.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_brammel_heimerl.jpg)
A little knowledge, confidence and passion are all Ohio Farm Bureau members need to start participating in the organization’s Young Agricultural Professionals contests.
![[160x120]_2500reward.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_2500reward.jpg)
Jon Hobbs of Clarksburg was presented with a reward check of $2,500 for information he provided to the Fayette County Sheriff’s office that led to the arrest of two individuals convicted of receiving stolen property taken from Fayette County Farm Bureau member James Hobbs of Bloomingburg.
In today’s volatile marketplace, many insurance companies that provide farm coverage for families like yours are making changes to their policies. The worst time to find out you don’t have the right coverage is when you have a claim.
![[160x120]_daniels.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_daniels.jpg)
Over the years, the Ohio Department of Agriculture has been consistent in running and growing the state’s $107 billion agriculture industry, the department’s director said.
The MBR includes Clean Ohio Fund provisions for $6 million to the Agricultural Easement Purchase Program and $36 million to the Green Space Conservation program.
Farmers who use antibiotics in food producing animals are encouraged to submit comments regarding a new Food and Drug Administration proposal.
![[160x120]_youthlabor.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_youthlabor.jpg)
The passion of Ohio Farm Bureau members along with the use of some simple technology gave the organization momentum as it helped block an unpopular proposal on federal youth labor rules.
![[160x120]_farmbill.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_farmbill.jpg)
The next farm bill, whether it passes this year or next, will contain billions of dollars in cuts and eliminate some longstanding farm subsidy programs.
![[160x120]_truck.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_truck.jpg)
By encouraging a friend or neighbor to join Ohio Farm Bureau, more than 1,000 volunteers kicked off this year’s campaign to grow their organization and its efforts to connect Ohioans on important issues.
![[160x120]_sherrod_brown1.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_sherrod_brown1.jpg)
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.
![[160x120]_membership_sweepstakes_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_membership_sweepstakes_320x240.jpg)
Summer is here, and the opportunities to get engaged with agriculture in your community are growing throughout Ohio Farm Bureau! Here is the latest comprehensive list of Farm Bureau tours, demonstrations, workshops, meetings and other happenings throughout the state.
![[160x120]_BOTF_2012320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_BOTF_2012320x240.jpg)
Franklin and Madison County Farm Bureaus held their first Breakfast on the Farm event Saturday, with more than 500 people attending. The breakfast, a Grow and Know event, was held at the Yutzy family dairy farm, Kramer Homestead, in Plain City. Attendees enjoyed a made-to-order omelet breakfast in the farm’s pasture and were able to get food and farming questions answered.
![[160x120]_Gibbs_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Gibbs_320x240.jpg)
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.
![[160x120]_oh_statehouse10.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_oh_statehouse10.jpg)
Last week Gov. John Kasich signed into law Senate Bill 315, legislation that strengthens regulations for Ohio’s oil and gas industry. Introduced by Sen. Shannon Jones (R – Springboro), the bill establishes a regulatory framework for overseeing technologies allowing exploration of natural gas in deep shale rock formations, as well as other energy issues.
![[160x120]_OFBF_logo_320x2409.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_OFBF_logo_320x2409.jpg){kind=logo}
The Senate has passed the 2012 Farm Bill by a vote of 64-35. Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Senior Director of Legislative and Regulatory Policy Yvonne Lesicko prepared this report on the passage of the farm bill in the Senate.
![[160x120]_DarkeCo_CAE_AFBF121.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_DarkeCo_CAE_AFBF121.jpg)
Applications are available for county Farm Bureaus to enter the County Activities of Excellence Awards (CAE) program. The CAE recognizes up to 25 successful county Farm Bureau programs from across the nation.
![[160x120]_ag_link_logo_320x2401.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_ag_link_logo_320x2401.jpg){kind=logo}
Gov. John Kasich signed into law this week legislation expanding funds to help Ohio farmers offset costs associated with feed, seed, fertilizer and fuel through the Agricultural Linked Deposit Program (Ag-LINK).
![[160x120]_Vilsack_OSU_2012_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Vilsack_OSU_2012_320x240.jpg)
A group of agricultural researchers at Ohio State University may be finding ways to help fight cancer. They shared their work with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack during his visit to Ohio State University this week.
![[160x120]_Ann320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Ann320x240.jpg)
Ann Frederick, a Hamilton County Farm Bureau member, writes a guest column for her fellow horse owners.
![[160x120]_NW_horiz_320x24013.gif](/uploads/[160x120]_NW_horiz_320x24013.gif)
Policyholders with storm damage should call the Nationwide and Allied claims hotline at 1-800- 421-3535 or contact their local agent.
![[160x120]_New_Presidents_TrainingIMG_6819_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_New_Presidents_TrainingIMG_6819_320x240.jpg)
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation works with new county Farm Bureau presidents every year to provide them with the skills needed to succeed at leading their organization.
![[160x120]_OH_Statehouse_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_OH_Statehouse_320x240.jpg)
Ohio has the most scrap metal thefts in the nation. Gov. John Kasich recently signed a bill into law which aims to curb the growing problem.
![[160x120]_Lake_Erie_320x2401.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Lake_Erie_320x2401.jpg)
Ohio farmers and related businesses that are withdrawing large amounts of water from streams, ponds, lakes or groundwater are encouraged to register and report their water usage to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) so that they will be "grandfathered" prior to the effective date of the newly signed Great Lakes Compact implementing legislation.
![[160x120]_Miami_BushelsForHunger_2012_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Miami_BushelsForHunger_2012_320x240.jpg)
Miami County Farm Bureau is working with several organizations to expand its annual fight against local hunger.
![[160x120]_drought_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_drought_320x240.jpg)
This weekend, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s Town Hall Ohio radio show will feature several experts who will discuss drought preparedness.
![[160x120]_OFBF_logo_320x24010.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_OFBF_logo_320x24010.jpg){kind=logo}
This week the House Agriculture Committee passed the 2012 Farm Bill by a vote of 35-11. At this time it is not known when or if the Farm Bill will be taken up by the entire House for consideration. Ohio Farm Bureau will continue to push for passage before the September expiration of the 2008 Farm Bill.
Ohio Farm Bureau is monitoring and sharing the latest resources for members to stay up to date on drought conditions, decision-making options, expert analysis and more. OFBF also wants to hear Ohio farmers share their stories and give them access to network as dry conditions continue.
![[160x120]_farm_factor_July2012_CountyRoundup_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_farm_factor_July2012_CountyRoundup_320x240.jpg)
The dry weather and heat continues this summer, but that doesn’t mean the opportunities to get involved with Ohio agriculture have dried up! Check out the latest list of activities, opportunities, events and more happening within county Farm Bureaus throughout the state.
![[160x120]_brokeneggs.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_brokeneggs.jpg)
'Buckeye Farm News' presents a brief look at two important issues being discussed by Farm Bureau members. The first is concerning federal animal care legislation that has been introduced in line with an agreement between the Humane Society of the United States and the United Egg Producers.
![[160x120]_drilling.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_drilling.jpg)
Gov. John Kasich has introduced a proposal that would make significant changes in the Ohio severance tax system, which applies to oil and natural gas wells.
![[160x120]_Deer,_Whitetail_023_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Deer,_Whitetail_023_320x240.jpg)
There is a debate taking place in Ohio's hunting community. Ohio Farm Bureau currently doesn't have a position on this issue. What do you think?
![[160x120]_Hort_Contest_Winners_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Hort_Contest_Winners_320x240.jpg)
Fun, hands-on agricultural experiences are the centerpiece of Ohio Farm Bureau’s exhibit at the Ohio State Fair. Last year the 'Land and Living' exhibit located in the Nationwide Donahey Ag & Hort Building drew an estimated 350,000 visitors who learned about agriculture’s link to everyday life.
![[160x120]_clean_lakes_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_clean_lakes_320x240.jpg)
Three state agencies have jointly launched the Ohio Clean Lakes Initiative, a program geared to improve water quality and reduce harmful algal blooms across Ohio, with emphasis in the Western Basin of Lake Erie. As part of a joint press conference between the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the directors of each spoke about the initiative.
![[160x120]_blog.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_blog.jpg)
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s first-ever Farm Blogging Workshop, held in June, is helping Ohio farmers be part of a growing online conversation about food and farming.
Taking precautions to prevent employee injuries and proactively promoting an environment of safety every day are some of the best investments a business can make.
![[160x120]_IMG_6460_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_IMG_6460_320x240.jpg)
Recently Pat Hord, the company’s CEO, partnered with Ohio Farm Bureau in an educational program for his employees to continue that outreach.
![[160x120]_kristinreese.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_kristinreese.jpg)
The two-day event brought a handful of farmers to Beverly Hills to discuss perceptions and realities of food and farming. It included entertainment movers and shakers, chefs, academics, large restaurant operators, journalists and more.
County annual meetings are a time for the community to connect.
![[160x120]_olc4.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_olc4.jpg)
Communicating with consumers and improving transparency within animal agriculture are among the topics that will be discussed at the Ohio Livestock Coalition’s 15th annual meeting and industry symposium.