Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF)

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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(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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OFBF's policy to better control deer damage helped lead to the hunter access program, which is expanding.

Program to connect hunters and farmers is growing

Published Sep. 9, 2010

A pilot program created by Ohio Farm Bureau, the Division of Wildlife and hunting groups to address deer damage and give hunters access to land is being expanded.

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Program guides first responders on farm animal handling

Published Feb. 15, 2012

Ohio Farm Bureau is teaming up with Ohio State University to help law enforcement, local humane officers, wildlife officers, firefighters, animal control officers and other first responders gain a basic understanding of farm animal behavior and handling.

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Productive workers help drive membership push

Published Jun. 11, 2009

Productive OFBF workers have been a driving force behind this year’s membership campaign.

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From left, High, and Distinguished Service Award Winners Miller, Johnson, Cessna, Highfield, Irvin and Shultz.

Producers flock to Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium

Published Jan. 14, 2010

Sheep Industry celebrates acheivements, elects leaders for 2010.

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Taking precautions can help farmers protect the well-being of their animals.

Prevent feed accidents for optimum animal health

Published Jun. 23, 2011

Nationwide News: Feeding livestock requires careful management. Mold and mildew can be producers’ worst enemies as they work to keep livestock healthy.

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Azure and Joe Koehler and Roger Wolfe

Preserving farmland in Fairfield County

Published Apr. 20, 2011

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.

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Athens County farmer Curt Cline was one of several farmers featured in the Farmers Feed US promotion.

Preserving and Promoting the Contributions of Animals to Society

Published Dec. 23, 2009

From Ohio Farm Bureau's Envisioned Future — The New Era, developed in 2009

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Preparing Students for 2050

Published Mar. 12, 2013

The year 2050 seems like a long way off. To an ag teacher or employer, it’s just around the corner. How do you best prepare students to be innovative stewards of the future?

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Dale Arnold answering questions from Richland County Farm Bureau members.

Prepare for pipeline development increases across Ohio

Published May. 23, 2013

Energy development projects are popping up very quickly across Ohio, particularly pipeline projects. Learn what you can do to prepare for situations like the ones being seen across the state right now.

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Preble County Farm Bureau's Grow It Know It seminar

Preble County workshops focus on food, families, community

Published Feb. 10, 2012

Preble County Farm Bureau is building a community of farmers and nonfarmers with its Grow It Know It seminars, designed to help people grow their skills in areas such as gardening, food preservation, cooking and sewing.

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PQA Plus Certification renewal opportunities available to pork farmers

Published Oct. 27, 2009

Opportunities available for pork farmers to renew PQA Plus certification.

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Farm Bureau members discuss local issues during a Community Council session at a recent leadership meeting.

Power through people

Published Feb. 12, 2013

Ohio Farm Bureau’s Sandy Kuhn is leading the effort to take the organization’s Advisory Council program back to its roots — connecting people to make a difference on the issues that impact their way of life.

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Portman sends letter regarding the definition of ‘rural’ counties

Published Jun. 11, 2013

Many Ohio counties defined as “rural” by methods applied by the State of Ohio and other agencies, are excluded under Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s current definition, which has ramifications for farmers seeking certain types of mortgages. U.S. Sen. Rob Portman and Rep. Bob Latta have led other members of Ohio’s congressional delegation in reaching out to CFPB on this issue.

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Sen. Rob Portman

Portman calls for less government regulation, fair foreign trade policies

Published Apr. 20, 2011

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.

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Porteus, Seger

Porteus, Seger named to Ohio State board

Published Jun. 11, 2013

Porteus is a former OFBF president and Seger is an ag communcations major.

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Policy Update: Protecting GPS, Trespassing Concerns, Court takes landowners side

Published Feb. 15, 2012

Farmers call on FCC to protect GPS; Protection for trespassers raises concerns; Supreme Court sides with landowners

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From left, county leaders Michael Terry and Cy Prettyman review policies with OFBF State Trustee Gale Betterly.

Policy Development Committee starts annual process

Published Oct. 15, 2009

Ohio Farm Bureau’s annual policy development process is well under way.

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AFBF President Bob Stallman reviews national policy with delegates in Seattle.

Policies go up for a vote

Published Feb. 4, 2010

Three-hundred and sixty-nine Farm Bureau delegates from across the country came together in Seattle in January to determine the policies guiding the grassroots organization in 2010. Among their priorities are national climate change legislation and the federal deficit.

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Plans for broadband speeding up

Published Apr. 16, 2009

New developments may help bring high-speed broadband connections to rural Ohioans.

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Plan for the future now with a wealth transfer plan

Published Jul. 16, 2009

In the mid 1980s when he was still chairman of Nationwide Insurance, Frank Sollars started working on an estate plan to pass on the farm to his five children. He wanted to make sure his family was taken care of and the process made as simple as possible.

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Picnic on the farm

Published Mar. 12, 2009

Ohio Farm Bureau has created a new contest as part of this year’s membership campaign.

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Rep. Steve Stivers addresses farmers and ag leaders during a visit to the farm of Farm Bureau member Norman Dresbach.

Pickaway County Farm Bureau hosts congressional visit

Published Feb. 15, 2012

Congressman Steve Stivers who currently represents Ohio’s 15th district comprising Madison, Union and parts of Franklin counties, is seeking re-election.

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