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For years Ohio farmers having been helping to feed the world, but OFBF President Bob Peterson said they're ready to take on an additional responsibility.

By this time next year, Ohio will be producing ethanol, Peterson told a group of reporters during an annual meeting press conference.

"We're very excited to potentially fuel the world," he said.

Peterson said that even though high demand for ethanol is keeping corn prices high, farmers still need a safety net in the next farm bill.

"We can overproduce any crop, no matter what it is," he said.

Peterson noted Ohio farmers will soon be working with new elected officials. He was confident about finding common ground with Governor-Elect Ted Strickland.

"I'm excited about having a governor from rural Ohio," he said.

Peterson also highlighted Farm Bureau's efforts to protect landowners after the U.S. Supreme court ruled that private land could be taken by eminent domain solely for economic development.

"I would suggest that we've changed that dynamic (in Ohio) fairly well," he said.

Questioned about the state's livestock industry, Peterson said he wants farms that cause pollution to "clean up and fix their problems."

"I want them to be regulated," he said.

But Peterson, who raises hogs, believes livestock regulations should not create a burden to farmers.

"I largely want government to leave me alone if I'm doing a good job," he said.

OFBF Executive Vice President Jack Fisher, who joined Peterson at the conference, said he was happy that Ohio has a progressive permitting program for large livestock farms. However, he noted that increasing criticism about how animals are raised could threaten the industry.

"I'm really concerned about the future of animal agriculture in the state of Ohio," he said.

Peterson said farmers will ultimately be responsible for how far they advance their agenda in the coming year.

"It largely depends on how well we in agriculture explain the story," he said.

Caption: OFBF President Bob Peterson (l) and Executive Vice President Jack Fisher talk with reporters.