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by Annie Cunningham

The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) annual meeting is a time of developing policy, discussing the upcoming year’s goals, attending educational seminars and recognizing young farmer activities. But let’s not forget annual meeting should be a time of celebration for the accomplishments made during 2001.

With the addition of new member benefits, legislative victories, creation of new programs, winning awards and record attendance at many of OFBF’s conferences and meetings, our organization reached the pinnacle thanks to the work of volunteers, administration and staff.

Farm Bureau took action on many legislative levels – and won. Congress repealed the death tax following efforts made by OFBF and other farmers across the country. Many Ohio landowners won a class action settlement to receive compensation for fiber optic lines placed across their properties.

Many exciting member benefits were added in 2001. Heartland AgVenture will provide investment opportunities for members. Mid American Ag and Hort Services helps address our members’ labor education, compliance and recruiting needs. New publications, Cingular Wireless and Self-Help Electric are among some of the other additions.

The ever-active OFBF Promotion and Education Department worked hard to bring agriculture education to the public. The Naturally Resourceful campaign reached thousands of people across Ohio through billboards, movie theater promotions and ads. The Breakthroughs in Biotechnology speaker program will allow county volunteers to teach nonfarm (no hyphen) folks the truth about biotechnology.

Many OFBF volunteers took time out of their busy schedules to attend several of the year’s meetings and conferences. The 2001 Leadership Conference brought record attendance. OFBF held the first-ever county presidents’ training. Another first for OFBF was the addition of the Equine Conference to be held Dec. 8.

The creation of the Agriculture Ecology Department was a big step for OFBF in protecting the environment. With development of the AWARE program and Core 4, OFBF is helping farmers build better relationships with their neighbors.

At the end of the year, take time to reflect on all OFBF has accomplished. With the cooperation of members, staff and administration, OFBF plans to go even higher in 2002.