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by Seth Teter

This fall, there will be no shortage of information about agriculture for Ohio farmers and consumers alike.

Earlier this month, consumers across the state were able to experience agriculture during the debut of the Our Ohio television series. Now, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) is launching a new show aimed at bringing agricultural information to farmers and rural residents.

Ohio Farm and Country is set to air on RFD-TV beginning Nov. 8 for Direct TV and Dish Network subscribers. OFBF is one of several state Farm Bureaus that has secured a 30-minute spot on RFD-TV as part of the network's Farm Bureau Today series.

Kurt Ely, OFBF vice president of information, education and community services, said the show is the next step in the organization's enhanced communication efforts that include Buckeye Farm News, Our Ohio magazine and television show and www.ofbf.org, which features news updated daily.

"Ohio Farm and Country is really geared toward educating members about Ohio Farm Bureau's programs and activities," he said. "It's a show for the farmer and farm neighbor."

Ely explained that having two separate television shows will allow OFBF to effectively communicate information about agriculture to different audiences.

"Our Ohio allows us to engage consumers through topics such as health and nutrition, community and culture," he said. "Ohio Farm and Country will ensure that our farmer members continue to receive important information regarding rural issues and production agriculture."

Chip Nelson, OFBF director of research and program development, is producing Ohio Farm and Country. He said the first show will highlight the Ohio livestock industry's economic impact and the Ohio Agricultural Roadmap – a document that outlines a comprehensive strategy for maintaining agriculture over the next 25 years.

"The nice thing is that this is a national show, so people in other states can see what OFBF is doing," he said.

In addition to OFBF's programs, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is helping to roll out a new public television series titled America's Heartland. Much like Our Ohio, America's Heartland is aimed at introducing agriculture to an urban and suburban audience, but it will do so at the national level.

"Each week, viewers will be invited to venture down our nation’s country roads, across its fields and through its pastures in pursuit of the people, places and products that make American agriculture so unique," AFBF President Bob Stallman said.

Stallman said he hopes the show will help consumers who are several generations removed from the farm get reacquainted with the people who produce their food.

"Contrary to popular opinion, America’s farms are still predominantly operated by farm families and not large corporations. America’s Heartland will put a face on those families and give them a voice," he said.

Ely said that faced with increasing misconceptions about agriculture, farmers often ask, "when are we going to start telling our story?"

"Through these enhanced communications, we remain committed to making sure their story is told," he said.

Check your local listings for air dates and times.