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In an effort to aid county Farm Bureaus, Ohio Farm Bureau initiated the County Farm Bureau Incentive Program in 1997. The OFBF Incentive Program allows county Farm Bureaus to earn additional income by participating in and achieving certain objectives designed to help financially strengthen the county organization and develop leaders.

County Farm Bureau Incentive Program money is earmarked at 50 cents per member from the total membership to form a pool of money. For example, if the 2004 OFBF membership total is 220,000 members, the earmarked portion would be $110,000. Since 1997, more than $625,000 has gone back to the counties.

Points are awarded to counties in 22 categories, which include Standard of Achievement Awards, achieve member gain, new member meetings, promotion and education events and appointment of new standing committee chairmen, etc. When all points earned by county Farm Bureaus are tallied, a dollar value will be attached to each earned point. In 2003, counties earned $109,040, with the average county earning $1,930. All 87 county Farm Bureaus received money through the program. The eligibility period runs from August 2003 through July 1, 2004, and the counties are rewarded in the beginning of October for the prior program year.

"This program really aids the counties with a smaller membership base by adding to their annual income," said Jeff Watkins, OFBF vice president of field services. "It’s a nice way for them to receive money for activities they work on throughout the year."