Agricultural funding in the state budget
OFBF Executive Vice President Jack Fisher sent the following letter to the Ohio Senate emphasizing the importance of agricultural funding in the state budget.
Policy & Politics
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What's this?Endangered Species Act Reform (national policy)
The enforcement for laws regarding the Endangered Species Act has evolved drastically, as activists have resorted to the courts to drive policy decisions. A recent settlement with the US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) brings hundreds of changes on species listings. More lawsuits means less resources.
OFBF's letter on transporation rules to Chairman Damschroder of House Committee
OFBF submitted a letter on transportation rules to Chairman Damschroder of the House Transportation, Public Safety, and Homeland Security Sub-Committee. Farm Bureau policy opposes HB 133, which is legislation to remove the requirement that vehicles have a front license plate.
OFBF staff testimony on state budget, HB 59
OFBF Director of State Policy, Brandon Kern submitted written testimony to members of the Senate Finance Education Sub-Committee regarding items important to Farm Bureau in the state budget bill.
Agricultural labor and immigration reform
OFBF Executive Vice President Jack Fisher sent the following letter to the members of the Ohio delegation of the U.S. House of Representatives to outline the growing labor and immigration concern in agriculture.
State Budget Priorities
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Jack Fisher sent the following letter to members of the Ohio House of Representatives this week to outline OFBF's priorities in the State Budget Bill.
OFBF's letter on agricultural nutrients, proposed draft legislation
An abundant supply of high quality water is Ohio’s greatest natural resource. Protecting water quality is essential to Ohio’s future. OFBF believes that farmers have the responsibility to proactively do our part to solve the nutrient management challenge facing Ohio today.
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Click the Take Action Now link at the bottom of this story to go our Online Action Center and make your voice heard.
ACTION ALERT: Ohio's Budget Affects Agriculture - Contact your State Rep. Today!
Don’t stand by while Ohio’s House of Representatives makes important decisions about programs that affect your farm, your community and your way of life. Now is the time to express your support for 4-H, water quality research, and workforce development initiatives...
OFBF staff testimony on SB 66, Grain Indemnity Fund
The grain indemnity fund was created in 1983 to reimburse farmers in the event a licensed grain elevator became insolvent. Historic increases in agriculture commodity prices have fueled new debate about the appropriate level of funding for the grain indemnity fund.
State Priority Issues
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's 2013 State Priority Issues
Federal Priority Issues
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's 2013 Federal Priority Issues
OFBF's letter to Ohio Dept. of Health on sewage treatment system rules
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) would like to thank you for the opportunity to review and submit comments on the package of draft proposed revisions to the sewage treatment system rules (OAC 3701-29-01 to 3701-29-23). OFBF policies are based on the tenet of protecting private property rights.
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Slideshow of 2012 Policy, Political, and Grassroots Activities
This video features Ohio Farm Bureau Vice President of Public Policy Adam Sharp recapping many of the organization's key policy, political and grassroots activities in 2012.
Farm Bureau members take action against turnpike privatization
Ohio Farm Bureau members in northern Ohio are asking fellow members statewide to take action against proposals to privatize the Ohio Turnpike. Ohio’s government is currently studying the best way to leverage the Ohio Turnpike, specifically privatizing it, and the results of that study are...
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Farm Bureau members take action on estate tax
OFBF has sent out an action alert, asking members to contact their senators and representatives to ask them to extend the current maximum estate tax rate and exemption, which are set to expire Jan. 1. The current exemption is set at $5 million with a top rate of 35 percent...
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Farm organizations say nutrient management a priority
Twenty agricultural groups are distributing this letter in an unprecedented campaign that encourages farmers to be proactive in the effort to improve water quality:Dear friend,As a farmer in Ohio you have a significant challenge bearing down quickly...
Farm Bureau Endorsement Pays Off For Candidates
COLUMBUS, Ohio (OFBF) – 95 percent of the candidates who received the endorsement of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) won their races on Election Day. In total, 121 of the 127 candidates approved by OFBF’s Agriculture for Good Government Political Action Committee (AGGPAC) won...
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‘Town Hall Ohio’ provides election information
The 2012 general election is quickly approaching, with many still searching for information to assist them in making their voting decisions. Town Hall Ohio, Ohio Farm Bureau’s weekly radio show, has had several election related shows this fall, full of great information to think...
Comments on Letters Seeking a Waiver of the Renewable Fuel Standard
While drought has had harsh impact, we don't believe a waiver of the Renewable Fuel Standard would provide meaningful relief to livestock producers. Steps to alleviate feed-related concerns (relaxing restrictions on haying & grazing on Conservation Reserve Program acres) provide a better solution.
OFBF Comments on Buckeye Wind Draft Habitiat Conservation Plan for Indiana Bat
OFBF comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concerning its evaluation of Buckeye Wind LLC's draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement as part of an application for an Incidental Take Permit concerning the myotis Sodalis or Indiana bat.
OFBF staff testimony to House Ag and Natural Resources State Fair Committee
The Ohio State Fair is an opportunity to showcase the agricultural industry in Ohio, which contributes $107 billion to our state’s economy each year and is responsible for one in seven Ohio jobs. Over 11.5 million Ohioans love to eat, need transportation, and participate in agri-tainment.
Ohio Farm Bureau proponent testimony on SB 281
OFBF member and state trustee, Katherine Harrison testified before the House Agriculture and Natural Resources committee in support of Senate Bill 281 regarding the AgLINK Program.
Ohio Farm Bureau staff testimony on SB 310
OFBF Director of Legislative Relations, Spencer Waugh testified before the Senate Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee in support of Senate Bill 310 regarding exotic animals.
Ohio Farm Bureau staff testimony on HB 473
OFBF Senior Director of Policy Development and Environmental Policy, Dr. Larry Antosch testified before the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee in support of House Bill 473 regarding the Great Lakes Compact.
Ohio Farm Bureau staff testimony on HB 482
OFBF Director of State Policy, Beth Vanderkooi testified before the Senate Finance Committee in support of House Bill 482 regarding Clean Ohio funding.