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Each February, county Farm Bureau leaders from throughout the state come to Columbus for a day of seminars about the prominent issues impacting agriculture in the Ohio General Assembly. The event is centered on a legislative luncheon that allows members to interact with their state legislators. New this year, members will visit with different state agencies to learn about issues that concern Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) members.

Each county is encouraged to send two representatives to the event. These members can take what they learn and communicate it back in their county.

Representatives from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Ohio departments of Agriculture, Development, Education, Health, Natural Resources, Taxation and Transportation, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Public Utilities Commission of Ohio will be on hand to discuss issues with members.

"We thought by allowing our members the opportunity to speak to state agency leaders, they would have a better understanding of some of the different legislative matters throughout the state. It also gives the members a chance to ask really specific questions," said Chris Baldwin, OFBF’s director of political education.

Guest speakers for the day will be Larry Householder, speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives; and Bob Stallman, American Farm Bureau Federation president. Participants will be briefed on legislative matters by the OFBF government affairs staff.

To be effective in the legislative process, members must work with state and national legislators to familiarize them with Farm Bureau’s position on any given piece of legislation. Through Ag Day at the Capitol, Farm Bureau members have the opportunity for quality interaction with their legislators.

"We should have a great turn out for the legislative luncheon this year because it’s in the Statehouse Atrium. Legislative leaders will be able to sit with their constituents and hear what our members have to say," Baldwin said. "It’s a good way for our members to have a one-on-one with their legislator and weigh-in on their concerns."