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Associations benefit farmers

The following organizations are housed in Ohio Farm Bureau's offices and provide specialized support to farmers. OFBF provides the organizations contract management services in order to partner with them on specific issues:

The Ohio Livestock Coalition (OLC) has distributed more than 3,000 copies of "Guidelines for Livestock Operations." OLC developed the new publication in cooperation with various partners to create a better understanding of the types of regulations, permits and plans that may be required of livestock farms.

More than 5,500 livestock producers have participated in the Ohio Livestock Coalition's (OLC) Livestock Environmental Assurance Program (LEAP), since its inception in 1998. LEAP helps livestock producers economically address environmental challenges.

Three of OLC's 2003 environmental stewardship award winners went on to receive national recognition for their outstanding commitment and dedication to a strong environmental conservation ethic.

Mid-American Ag and Hort Services (MAAHS) has partnered with its sponsor members, Ohio Sate University Extension, USDA's Risk Management Agency and others to deliver educational assistance to thousands of farmers. These include market-based food safety practices for fruit and vegetable growers, the Ohio Agricultural and Horticultural Employer Checklist, Agricultural Labor Camp workshops and manual, and numerous educational presentations and articles. MAAHS' membership and use of member services continue to grow.

Ohio Land Improvement Contractors Association constructed a wetland filtration system and agricultural drainage research and education facilities at the Waterman Agricultural Research facilities at the Ohio State University in Columbus. The organization hosted public officials and members of the Ohio General Assembly during an information and education session held in conjunction with the project.

The Ohio Christmas Tree Association completed its third annual edition of its CD- ROM Media Kit and more than 200 new and veteran growers attended its Christmas Tree College and Summer/Winter Meeting education programs. More than 50 growers received training to be local industry spokesmen or Christmas Tree Ambassadors. Nearly 1 million people discovered more about Ohio’s Christmas tree growers at public events throughout Ohio.

OFBF energy programs helped members find out more about wind, solar, biomass and other forms of on-site electric generation. Farm Bureau leaders helped establish public outreach programs and leasing guidelines for farmers and utilities interested in placing utility-scale wind turbines in rural areas. More than 150 large-scale agri-businesses collectively saved over $1.5 million as members of the Self-Help Gas Program.

The Ohio Vegetable and Potato Growers Association cooperated with Ohio Department of Agriculture's (ODA) Division of Markets and Ohio Grape Industries to sponsor three media tours in northwest, western and eastern Ohio. The tours focused on Ohio production and marketing of strawberries, peaches, wine grapes, wine, raspberries, sweet corn, potatoes, snap beans, fresh water fish and shrimp, Christmas trees, apples, cider, blueberries and blackberries. Several sophisticated, high-end farm markets also were featured.

The Ohio Fruit Growers Society and the Ohio Apple Marketing Program cooperated with Children's Hunger Alliance to promote Ohio apples and cider in Ohio schools. The focus is to improve school children’s diets by educating them about the long-term health benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Ohio Fruit Growers Society worked closely with ODA's Division of Food Safety to clarify cider rules that allow custom cider processors to process both their own and customers' cider on the same cider press.

Heartland Agdeavor Association was successful in doubling its membership and in providing several new investment opportunities. The organization has expanded into offering business development services that are designed to assist entrepreneurs in project development. Another area of business service development was Heartland's fulfilling a contract with Michigan State and Ohio State universities and The University of Wisconsin to assist them in training Agricultural Innovation Counselors. These counselors now are available to farmers in each state to assist them in creating business project development.

 
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