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Farming is a business built upon hard work and family values that when combined with a viable business strategy provide those involved an opportunity to generate a profit. Managing risk associated with the business of farming is arguably the most important variable affecting an operation’s success. Risks associated with farming are both internal and external to the operation and are undeniably more complex when considering the global nature of the industry today. I believe membership in the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is an association that assists producers in managing risks external to the production arena.

What are the risks to your operation that Farm Bureau manages on your behalf? They include rules, regulations and policies of our governing laws; taxes; trade opportunities; public opinion and perceptions; and industry relationships and partnerships, just to name a few. Farm Bureau is an advocate for its members through public information and public education campaigns. It provides professional and grassroots lobbying on behalf of members and for the industry they depend upon for a living. Add to this the extensive list of tangible member benefits that are constantly being evaluated, and you have an external risk manager constantly working for people.

Farm Bureau provides mechanisms to gather member input and opportunities to formulate guiding policies and principles. It is a place to share common issues and problems – a network of friends who share the same concerns and desire to improve the current conditions. Farm Bureau is about people – People who have been provided opportunities to meet and convene for common cause. People who are communicated with and about the changes taking place within and around agriculture. People who are provided resources that assist them in making decisions about how, when and where they see their operations developing.

It seems to me that first an organization must serve its members and gather their input. Ask yourself, are there processes in place to do this? Secondly an organization must create value for those involved. Do you walk away from activities with a sense of gain or feeling that someone or something is working on your behalf? What about sustainability? Look for an organization that wants to and can grow. The world is continually changing and so must your organization if it is to best serve you now and in the future. Finally, look for an organization where both the governing board and the member take equal responsibility for the organization’s success. Members who are active make the difference. You have the power and opportunity to ask, "What can I do to help my organization and industry grow?" But more important you have the power and opportunity to ask yourself, "What will I do to help my organization and industry grow?"

Becoming involved in your organization increases the value of your membership and is relatively risk free. You control your return on membership investment. So what is your membership worth?