Reporters, please visit our news room located in the Media and Publications section of this site.
![[160x120]_OFBF_logo_320x2406.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_OFBF_logo_320x2406.jpg){kind=logo}
Ohio Reps. Jean Schmidt and Bob Gibbs have been commended by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) for their sponsorship of H.R. 872, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011.
![[160x120]_animals_for_life_320x2402.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_animals_for_life_320x2402.jpg)
RFP applications will be considered that help the Foundation further develop and implement its vision and mission -- to increase public acceptance and understanding of human-animal interdependency and achieve public recognition that animals bring value to human life.
![[160x120]_Jack_SlateRun_Casual_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Jack_SlateRun_Casual_320x240.jpg)
For Ohio Farm Bureau's Jack Fisher, a trip to the grocery store's bread aisle highlights the variety of food choices available in the United States, the price we pay for our food here and abroad, and who ultimately has control over food prices.
![[160x120]_Logan_Ag_Coffee_shop_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Logan_Ag_Coffee_shop_320x240.jpg)
There is always something happening at the local level when it comes to Farm Bureau. Here’s a quick glance of what you’ll find on the county Farm Bureau blog pages here on OFBF.org from April through early June, 2011.
![[160x120]_agripower1.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_agripower1.jpg)
Each year, Ohio Farm Bureau's AgriPOWER Institute helps 20 Ohioans develop the skills necessary to become effective leaders and advocates for agriculture by learning from experts in the agriculture and food industry fields.
![[160x120]_knollman.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_knollman.jpg)
Knollman Farms, of Hamilton, Ohio, recently received the 2011 Ohio Livestock Coalition Neighbor of the Year Award, which recognizes a farmer who has positively developed and enhanced relationships between neighbors in Ohio’s farm communities.
![[160x120]_THO_logo_320x2402.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_THO_logo_320x2402.jpg){kind=logo}
There are about 7,000 grocery stores in Ohio, ranging from corner carryouts to modern supermarkets, and like farmers, those businesses are responding to consumer demand. Ohio Farm Bureau's Town Hall Ohio radio program further explores this issue.
![[160x120]_YAP.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_YAP.jpg)
Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals program is seeking individuals 18-35 who are interested in pursuing new opportunities offered by several annual competitions. Up for grabs--a trip to Hawaii.
![[160x120]_NW_horiz_320x24011.gif](/uploads/[160x120]_NW_horiz_320x24011.gif)
As farming changed radically in recent decades, Nationwide Agribusiness has kept pace through innovation and by truly listening to its customers’ needs.
![[160x120]_animalsforlife.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_animalsforlife.jpg)
Interested parties have until July 1 to complete and submit their RFP application to the Foundation.
![[160x120]_Grand_lake_st_marys_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Grand_lake_st_marys_320x240.jpg)
Regulators are planning to continue to work with farmers following the release of new rules resulting from pollution concerns in the Grand Lake St. Marys watershed.
![[160x120]_fairfield1.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_fairfield1.jpg)
The Ohio Farmland Preservation program continues to ensure that tens of thousands of acres on hundreds of farms across the state remain in agricultural production.
![[160x120]_zehringer_320x2401.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_zehringer_320x2401.jpg)
Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Jim Zehringer said he is looking at working with lawmakers to find a new name for his agency that will give Ohioans a better understanding of its work.
![[160x120]_portman.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_portman.jpg)
Rob Portman finds himself representing Ohioans during what he calls 'difficult times.' Talks about career and U.S. challenges on Ohio Farm Bureau's Town Hall Ohio radio program.
![[160x120]_News_briefs_320x2403.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_News_briefs_320x2403.jpg)
Progress made toward Columbia FTA; lawmakers seek to eliminate Form 1099 requirement; AFBF comments on federal budget
![[160x120]_Peggy_Hall.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Peggy_Hall.jpg)
Between 2002 and 2009, animal advocacy groups were successful in establishing new animal care regulations in seven states. Since 2009, agricultural interests have backed the establishment animal care regulations in 11 states.
![[160x120]_Joy_Mench.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Joy_Mench.jpg)
Joy Mench, an animal scientist from the University of California, Davis presented a model that divided animal care considerations into three categories:
Mind – Feelings such as pain, fear and frustration;
Nature – Species-specific behavior; and Body – Animal health and physiology.
![[160x120]_Arnot.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Arnot.jpg)
New research is showing that the way farmers have traditionally reached out to consumers is not the most effective approach.
Testimony is heating up in the Ohio Statehouse as advocates pursue changes to initial funding proposals for state agencies and programs. While the budget process is just getting underway, Ohio Farm Bureau is keeping a close eye on how the final budget may shape up.
![[160x120]_veal.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_veal.jpg)
The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board is past its final major hurdle in establishing the first comprehensive set of standards for animal care in Ohio.
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation was successful in advocating for amendments to the transportation bill that align with several of the organization’s priority issues and general policy positions.
![[160x120]_hirsch.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_hirsch.jpg)
Steve Hirsch has been elected president of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; Sparky Weilnau has been elected first vice president; Tim Willams elected to the executive committee.
![[160x120]_OLC11_annual_meeting_BFN_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_OLC11_annual_meeting_BFN_320x240.jpg)
Ohio farmers discussed consumer trust, animal care, regulations and more at the 2011 Ohio Livestock Coalition Annual Meeting in April. Here's a recap of the conversations and presentations.
![[160x120]_Mandel_Ohio_Treasurer_320x240.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_Mandel_Ohio_Treasurer_320x240.jpg)
Ohio Treasurer Mandel announces availability of reduced rate loans available to more than 800 Ohio farmers.
![[160x120]_OSIA_320x2406.jpg](/uploads/[160x120]_OSIA_320x2406.jpg)
Ohio sheep farmers and anyone dedicated to sheep production are invited to participate in the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association’s (OSIA) 2011 Ohio Sheep Day, to be held July 16 at Blue Heron Farm in Lisbon.