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Election Day may seem a long way off, but if you want to help make a difference on Nov. 5, you need to plan ahead. That's according to Deering Dyer, OFBF's director of political education. "A lot of our successes in the legislature and in Congress depend on us putting the people we think will be friendly to agriculture into those positions of power," Dyer said.

Two important actions need to be taken care of now: making sure you're registered and requesting an absentee ballot if you know you'll not be able to go to the polls.

"The assumption that farmers have a pretty high voter-registration rate is probably pretty accurate, but I can guarantee one thing: It's not 100 percent," Dyer said.

There are many places to register, perhaps the easiest is the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Ohio's "motor-voter" law allows you to register when renewing your driver's license. Other locations to register include your county Board of Elections or Treasurer's office, public libraries and public or vocational schools. You can also register at the Secretary of State's office at 30 E. Broad St., Columbus.

You must be 18 years old on or before the day of the general election. Your properly completed voter registration form must be postmarked 30 days before the election.

Dyer also noted that if you have moved out of the precinct you previously voted in, you need to re-register.

Once you are registered, you need to make sure you cast your ballot. If you know you'll be out of the county on Election Day, it's important to secure and send your absentee ballot. "We have enough mental barriers to voting as it is, whether its apathy or whatever, but we as farmers need to maximize those opportunities because it amplifies our voice," Dyer said.

Besides absence from the county, other qualifying factors to vote absentee are if you are age 62 or older; are hospitalized; have a physical disability; are an election board official or employee; are observing a religious holiday; are a full-time firefighter, peace officer, or emergency service provider; are in jail for a misdemeanor; or are on active duty in the military.

To obtain an absentee ballot, contact your county Board of Elections. Request ballots early in order to meet the return deadline of 7:30 p.m. Election Day. In cases of medical emergency, absentee ballots can be requested as late as 3 p.m. Election Day.

Registering, then voting at the polls or by absentee, is of utmost importance to you and the farm community, Dyer said. "If the last presidential election taught us anything it is that every vote does indeed count."