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The following Farm Bureau volunteers were featured in Buckeye Farm News this year. Each member was asked why he or she belonged to Farm Bureau. Here is what they said:

• John Born, Lorain County: "As a member of Farm Bureau, we get first-hand knowledge of what’s going on in agriculture. We’re very well informed, and if we call the office in Columbus and someone there doesn’t have the answer, you better bet they will find the answer for you."

• Kirsten Kimley, Clark County: "It is amazing to me that there is an organization that really is fighting for the farmer. Being on the State Young Farmer Committee really opened so many doors to us (she and her husband)…The amount of knowledge I have now, that I would’ve never had without Farm Bureau involvement, is amazing."

• Bob Sage, Geauga County: "Farm Bureau has the power to work with the government to mold, change and modify regulations and rules facing farmers…The voice of Farm Bureau is impressive and helpful to the member."

• Judy Smith, Defiance County: "I’ve learned through the years how important it is for farmers to belong to a farmers’ organization, and there’s no better organization than Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau is great at lobbying on behalf of the farmers…More than anything, you can’t find a better group of people to be associated with."

• Warren Bridges, Brown County: "The major benefit to Farm Bureau is the leadership opportunities and the exposure to the political process…With Farm Bureau’s influence on local, state and federal government, they are helping farmers stay in business."

• Phyllis Garn, Ottawa County: "It’s necessary to be a part of Farm Bureau if you’re in agriculture. The more you get involved, the more you get out of it…We enjoy the monthly get-togethers with our advisory council, and it really keeps us up-to-date with ag issues."

• Don Jones, Harrison County: "When it boils down to it, the legislative authority Farm Bureau has is probably the biggest benefit to its members, but there’s so much more to it…There are a lot of great people involved in Farm Bureau—it’s pretty amazing. The organization has done a lot of good for its members and it will continue to do well."

• Robert Russell, Champaign County: "Ohio Farm Bureau is a pillar of the community…Farm Bureau is a vehicle for farmers to carry their concerns and get things accomplished. One recent victory that stands out in my mind is defeating the local Darby Refuge. A group wanted to take the land around the Little Darby Creek and turn it into a wildlife refuge."

• Roger Burtchin, Wood County: "I believe Ohio Farm Bureau is important because it promotes agriculture and helps outsiders learn what agriculture means to them…Ohio Farm Bureau reaches out to so many people from children to senior citizens, and it works to benefit everyone in the state."

• Dick Daniels, Knox County: "We’ve got to have this organization. Farmers are getting fewer and fewer all the time, and we can’t fight all the battles by ourselves. Farm Bureau is the best deal in town."

• Sandy Sanders, Athens County: "Farm Bureau gives you a chance to voice your opinion and allows you to meet really great people."

• Jay Begg, Allen County: "We have a big job ahead to continue to educate the public about the food supply…Farm Bureau is the best organization going to get that message out."

• Sharon Finney, Jefferson County: "Farm Bureau gives farmers a voice…We’re a small minority, but through Farm Bureau we are a pretty powerful lobbying agency."

• Roger Rhonemus, Adams County: "Farm Bureau exhibits concern that we’re important…the organization allowed us to be part of its policy (making). That’s important to me…Farm Bureau works for all facets of agriculture."

• Carolyn Richardson, Auglaize County: "We need the organization as our voice in Washington."