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The name Murray Lincoln is legendary in the history of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. The organization’s first executive secretary is celebrated as the driving force who propelled Farm Bureau’s rapid rise to power and influence. But there are nine other names from Farm Bureau’s earliest days that while not nearly as famous were as just as instrumental as Lincoln in starting Farm Bureau down the path toward greatness. Bradfute, Miller, Rogers, Balyeat, Taber, Shaver, Cooley, Beal and Head: These nine farmers made up the first board of trustees for Ohio Farm Bureau.

They were elected in January 1919, nearly a year and a half before Murray Lincoln was hired. Without discounting Lincoln’s contributions, it was these volunteer trustees who set the direction for the organization, monitored its progress and allocated the resources for Farm Bureau to accomplish its goals. Now, 84 years later, the names have changed but the job hasn’t. Still to this day, Ohio Farm Bureau remains an organization governed by volunteer farmers.

Today’s state board members are elected from 22 trustee districts made up of four counties each and four women’s districts of 20-plus counties. Delegates from each of the counties within a district elect their trustee to a three-year term on the state board. The 26 members of our current board are listed on the back page of this and each Buckeye Farm News.

To be elected to the state board, a candidate must be an active member. This keeps control of Farm Bureau in the hands of people who know agriculture. Being a state trustee requires a major time commitment, an average of 30 days per year and much more for our state president and other officers. The responsibilities are significant. The board handles the long-term strategic planning for OFBF while also acting on the current policies approved by the voting delegates. The board prioritizes how volunteer, staff and financial resources are used. State trustees also define success for the organization by stating how we’ll know when we’ve reached our goals. And most importantly, your state board is the steward of your organization’s financial assets.

I imagine that Farm Bureau’s first board 80-plus years ago handled many of these kinds of tasks, and the work couldn’t have been easy as a brand new organization was forming. Likewise, your current state board’s duties are no less difficult. Today’s trustees are overseeing a Farm Bureau which is reshaping itself and rethinking how to reach its ultimate goals: strong relationships, a viable future for agriculture, a strong organization and a balanced ecology. Just as those nine farmers in 1919 were asked to provide insight, wisdom and vision, so too are the trustees of today.

Of course, you as an individual member have a role to play as well. Your job is to make sure we continue to have quality candidates for service on the state board. Every three years, each district has the chance to elect its trustee. You need to help your district identify the people who have earned the right to be considered for this important job. Who has been active in your county Farm Bureau, serving on committees or holding county office? Who has been involved with other farm organizations, been active in the community and has demonstrated the willingness and ability to give of themselves for the good of agriculture? Perhaps he or she is your neighbor; perhaps it’s you. Regardless, it’s every voting member’s job to put the right people in place so that Farm Bureau continues to receive the leadership our organization is worthy of receiving.