Brown County Farmer First to Get Settlement Check Brown County tobacco farmer and Farm Bureau member James Simpson, center, of Russellville received a check from ODA Director Fred L. Dailey, right, and Don Branson, executive director of the Southern Ohio Agricultural and Community Development Foundation. Simpson was the first tobacco farmer and grant applicant to complete a Livestock Systems Project, the first of four pilot projects funded by the Tobacco Master Settlement, designed to help lessen the economic blow as the market for tobacco products shrinks and production leaves the areas. Simpson was eligible for up to 75 percent reimbursement for his new beef cattle corral, or a maximum of $2,500. (Photo Courtesy ODA) | |