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OFBF vision for next 25 years includes public policy, communication enhancements

by Lynn Snyder (This article was published in 2003.)

It's time to brag. Ohio Farm Bureau is recognized as a leader among Farm Bureaus across the country. The organization has built this reputation as a winner of eight President's Awards from American Farm Bureau since 1994 and winner of the maximum number of gold stars for outstanding programs.

But according to Executive Vice President Jack Fisher, "We don't want to rest on our laurels. Ever since the Envision Future project began in 1999, members, the board and staff have been evaluating where we want to be in the next 25 years."

Through listening sessions, county president roundtable meetings, cabinet meetings, policy development, Leadership Conference and the OFBF annual meeting, advisory councils, county boards, youth councils and young farmers, members have said they view Farm Bureau as their voice in the legislative arena and with the general public. To enhance our effectiveness in these areas, and others, the board of trustees is recommending a dues increase, the first increase in 16 years.

"The dues proposal isn't about righting the ship," Fisher said. "It's about taking a successful organization to a new level in a changing agricultural environment."

Fisher said Farm Bureau is financially strong and was able to introduce new programs, such as the agricultural ecology and promotion and education, and activities such as the Ohio State Fair exhibit, free Agrivisor access and COSI on Wheels, in previous years because of efficiency and a growing membership base. Now, the organization would like to provide members "new programs for a new era," as Fisher explained. "This is a member driven process," he said.

OFBF dues have not increased since the 1989 membership campaign, yet the agricultural climate has changed drastically. Fisher said consumers are increasingly removed from agricultural experiences. Regulations and costs related to compliance require increasing and continual monitoring as rules become established. Term limits have changed the political environment. And issues such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, livestock challenges and food safety and security have changed agriculture.

Fisher said the board and staff believe much can be accomplished through the increase. Areas such as stronger grassroots voice in the legislature, enhanced radio and television communication, funding to fight judicial cases, stronger presence in national issue debates and all current member programs will be stronger. On top of that, the American Farm Bureau has asked for states to pay more in membership dues, which Fisher said is also a worthy dues increase.

The increased dues recommendation is $10; in November, the OFBF Code Committee will take this recommendation into consideration and decide what will be presented to delegates to be voted upon at the December annual meeting. If passed, the increase will be incorporated into dues for the 2005 membership campaign.

"In tough economic times, $10 is $10," Fisher said. "But I believe that members see the benefit and strength in Farm Bureau and see the value of their dues. The organization is fiscally responsible and fiscally strong. Yet to take our messages to the next level, additional resources are needed for us to be competitive."

County leadership is being invited to attend trustee district communication meetings over the next month, according to Kurt Ely, OFBF vice president of information, education and community services. The goal of these meetings is to share with leaders the process leading up to the dues increase proposal, financial implications and ultimately what can be accomplished by its passage. Leaders will be provided information that can then be shared with county members. Any member is welcome to attend. Please contact your county Farm Bureau office for meeting dates and locations.

Supplemental information regarding the process that led to the dues proposal, a history of dues increases, dues comparisons with other Farm Bureaus and organizations and a timeline associated with the dues proposal is available on the OFBF Web site, www.ofbf.org, or call Ohio Farm Bureau at 614-246-8229.