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Paulding County Farm Bureau has taken an active role in the Northwest Ohio Livestock Producers (NWOLP) discussion group.

The group meets and discusses agricultural issues facing livestock producers. These issues range from large versus small farm to agriculture districts. Many organizations in the county, including Farm Bureau, the Soil and Water Conservation District and OSU Extension, get involved in the discussions. The meetings allow producers from every spectrum to brainstorm ideas and solutions to the issues.

NWOLP started last April when many large dairies were moving into the area. Many residents were concerned, and NWOLP wanted to squash myths about large farms. NWOLP is comprised of an organizing committee, on which Kendra Heffelfinger, OFBF organization director for Defiance, Paulding, Putnam and Van Wert counties, sat. Terry Werhkamp, Paulding County FB member, said members will evaluate the need for the group and perhaps set up a more democratic system and charge dues.

The group has met three times with an average attendance of 22 to 25 people. Larry Gearhardt, OFBF director of local affairs, spoke to the group during one meeting about agriculture districts. David White, OFBF’s director of commodity relations and executive director of the Ohio Livestock Coalition, once talked to NWOLP about becoming certified by the Livestock Environmental Permitting Program. Farmers in the county also discussed niche marketing with the group.

The fourth meeting is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 27. Anyone interested in attending may call Terry Werhkamp at 419-786-5453.