Ohio EPA director calls for improving the agency's permitting process
The head of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is determined to improve the permitting process at the agency, which has more than 1,300 rules.
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- Senate makes Farm Bill amendment to crop insurance program
- Agricultural Labor Reform to be Considered by Senate
- Prepare for pipeline development increases across Ohio
- Ohio Livestock Coalition accepting nominations for 'Neighbor of the Year' awards
- Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees announced
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Ohio EPA Director Scott Nally, left, joins Ohio Farm Bureau's Jack Fisher on a recent edition of Town Hall Ohio.
Ohio Department of Agriculture Accepts Specialty Crop Grant Proposals
The Ohio Department of Agriculture is now accepting proposals for the 2010 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which will provide funding for projects that will enhance the competitiveness of Ohio’s specialty crops. The department is seeking project proposals that will advance long-term...
Ohio Agriculture Goes to Washington DC
For the 64th year, Ohio Farm Bureau county presidents visited Washington, D.C. last week to discuss agricultural issues with their lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Andy Vance of ABN Radio was among several reporters that covered the event including a briefing by American Farm Bureau staff...
Ohio - State Budget Update
The Senates Select Committee on Video Lottery Terminals heard testimony from Michael Dolan, the Ohio Lottery director, and David Ellis, deputy director of the Office of Budget and Management. Dolan told the committee that installing the video lottery terminals (VLTS) would not be too complicated...
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.
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'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.
OFBF to Sponsor Campaign Management Seminar
The Ohio Farm Bureau will join with other statewide business and agricultural commodity organizations to offer a Campaign Management Seminar for candidates interested in running for local, statewide, or national offices. The seminar will be held September 2-3, 2009.
OFBF Testifies as an Interested Party on SB109
OFBF recently weighed in on a new piece of proposed legislation which would effectively immunize trespassers from liability if they enter a property to “beautify” it. Senate Bill 109 attempts to change the current trespassing laws to provide immunization from any criminal trespassing charges...
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.
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.
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.
OFBF Responds to HSUS Power Grab
Out-of-state activists have begun their efforts to undo Ohioans’ overwhelming passage of Issue 2. Less than three months after Ohioans approved Issue 2 to create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board (OLCSB), lobbyists from Washington, D.C. have declared they know better than Ohio voters...
OFBF Public Policy Staff Identify Three Upcoming Key Votes for Ohio Lawmakers
Ohio Farm Bureau staff have identified three upcoming Key Votes for Ohio lawmakers. These include - SCR8 in the Ohio Senate and HCR 15 in the Ohio House regarding a proposed Cow Tax Resolution, SCR 15 a resolution regarding Federal Climate Change legislation, and SB 131 - a bio-based products...
OFBF Monitoring HB 149 Chapter 166 Loans - Supermarkets (Miller, E - D)
HB 149 would allows under served community groceries to qualify for Department of Development loans and loan guarantees. Current law authorizes the Department of Development to issue loans and loan guarantees for certain economic development projects.
OFBF Endorses a YES Vote on Issue 2 - Casino Location Change
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) Board of Trustees has voted to support passage of State Issue 2 on the May 4th ballot. Issue 2 would authorize a change in location for the Columbus casino, which was approved by Ohio voters last November.
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Vote Yes on Issue 1
OFBF Endorses a YES Vote on Issue 1 - Third Frontier Renewal
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has announced its support for State Issue 1on the May 4th ballot, which will renew Ohio’s highly successful Third Frontier program. OFBF’s Board of Trustees felt Third Frontier is a proven driver of economic development and represents responsible use...
OFBF Comments on Proposed Ag Labor Standards
The Department of Labor has recently proposed a sweeping change in child labor regulations as they apply to agriculture, which could limit the ability of many children under 16 years of age to work on a farm. Over 10,000 public comments have been submitted to the Department of Labor regarding these changes. Public comments were received through December 1, 2011.
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.
ODA to Accept Specialty Crop Grant Proposals
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (April 27, 2009) – The Ohio Department of Agriculture is seeking project proposals that will advance long-term economic viability and sustainability of Ohio’s specialty crop industry while increasing the marketability of specialty crops.
ODA to Accept Aquaculture Grant Applications
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (Dec. 30, 2010) – Ohio’s fish farmers can now apply for their portion of $34,859 in reimbursements through the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Aquaculture Grant Program. The program will assist producers who suffered financial losses associated with high feed costs in 2009.
ODA Director Zehringer Appoints Top Administrators
Ohio Department of Agriculture Director James Zehringer today announced several new appointments to the department’s senior management team: Frederick M. Shimp, assistant director; Rocky Black, deputy director; Andy Ware, communications director; Thomas A. Johnston, chief financial officer...
OBM's Preliminary Revenue Report Shows Continued Slump in State Tax Receipts
OBM's preliminary revenue report for May show a continuing slump in personal income tax receipts and a sizeable hit to sales tax intake compared to the agency's estimates as revised several months ago. Total tax receipts for the month were nearly $165 million, or 10.7%, less than projected...
Obama's Fuel Efficiency Standards a Blow to E-85
President Barack Obama's tough fuel economy program for vehicles could put another damper on the struggling ethanol business, because the alternative fuel packs lower energy content than gasoline, according to Reuters. Obama on Tuesday introduced the most aggressive proposal yet...
Obama Nominates Judge Sotomayor for Supreme Court
Today President Barack Obama announced Judge Sonia Sotomayor to replace Justice Souter on the Supreme Court of the United States. Read more about Judge Sotomayor and the President's decision to nominate her in the official White House Blog.
Obama Approval at 63 Percent: Ohioans See Little Easing of Economic Woes
Cincinnati, OH--President Barack Obama's overall approval rating is 63 percent in Ohio. Governor Ted Strickland's overall approval rating now stands at 56 percent. Most Ohioans continue to see economic conditions in Ohio and the U.S. as either "fair" or "poor."
New Renewable Fuel Standard will Boost Ethanol
The new renewable fuel standard (RFS) announced Wednesday by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will give a boost to the production of ethanol. According to EPA, new data showed that ethanol delivers significant climate benefits by displacing conventional gasoline.
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New Ohio Livestock Care Standards become effective Sept. 29
Ohio Department of Agriculture Director James Zehringer announced animal care rules developed by the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board will become effective Sept. 29, 2011. Farm community encouraged to attend five regional informational meetings.
New Livestock Care TOOL BOX E-Newsletter Debuts This Week
Be watching your email for the new Livestock Care TOOLBOX, aimed at equipping you for the upcoming challenge to the Ohio Livestock Care Standards board. Each edition will include helpful information that you can use to turn back the out-of-state activists who want to undo what you accomplished...
New Fumigant Pesticide Restrictions Issued
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued final safety measures for soil fumigant pesticides, which agency officials said will increase protections for agricultural workers and bystanders near sites where the fumigants are being applied. Creating buffer zones, enforcing posting requirements...
New Food Safety Rules will Burden Egg Producers
The Obama administration's effort to improve food safety and curb the spread of salmonella will add a number of new regulations for egg producers. Nearly all egg producers with more than 3,000 laying hens--which account for the vast majority of eggs consumed by Americans--will be required to buy...
Nationwide, Food Prices Trending Down
Retail food prices at the supermarket decreased slightly for the third consecutive quarter, according to the latest American Farm Bureau Federation Marketbasket Survey. The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare a meal was $46.29, down about 2 percent...
NACo, Farm Bureau Oppose Clean Water Act Expansion
The nation’s county governments and farmers are partnering to oppose legislation to significantly expand the federal jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The National Association of Counties’ (NACo) and the American Farm Bureau Federation are concerned that the Clean Water Restoration...
Motor Carrier Weight Threshold Rules Revised
The Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) has revised its rules relative to motor carrier transportation safety. These revised rules now extend PUCO jurisdiction to regulate vehicle safety to vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 to 26,000 pounds that are operating...
Mother Nature Wreaks Havoc on Ag in 2009, Giving Food Market a Jolt
Mother Nature wreaked havoc on producers of agricultural commodities in 2009 and gave the food market a jolt, sending prices for staples like corn and soybeans on a wild ride only to end the year close to where they started, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Moderate Democrats Urge White House to Drop Cap-and-trade
Moderate Democrats in the Senate are urging the Obama administration to stop urging passage of climate change legislation with cap-and-trade provisions in 2010. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and several other Democrats are speaking to the White House and party leadership about setting aside efforts...
Meat Industry Must ReIntroduce Itself to Consumers
The red meat industry must reintroduce itself to consumers to prove itself a source of innovation and technology that requires a change in approach, said Charlie Arnot, the head of the Center for Food Integrity (CFI). Arnot spoke at the opening session of the Meat Industry Research Conference...
Meat for School Lunches Below Standards of Fast Food Chains
In the past three years, the government has provided the nation's schools with millions of pounds of beef and chicken that wouldn't meet the quality or safety standards of many fast food restaurants, from Jack in the Box and other burger places to chicken chains such as KFC, according to...
Lincoln: Ag has Big Role to Play in Climate Change
Agriculture has a big role to play in climate change, and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) wants to make sure it is a positive role and that farmers won’t see more in terms of costs. “You can’t do climate change legislation without agriculture...
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Ohio Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor joins Ohio Farm Bureau's Jack Fisher on Town Hall Ohio
Lieutenant Governor: State reform ideas have been in the works for years
Gov. John Kasich’s administration is determined to make Ohio a state to do business in again and that means making drastic, and sometimes controversial, changes, says the state’s lieutenant governor.
Latest CWT Herd Retirement Round Second Largest Ever
Cooperatives Working Together has tentatively accepted 294 bids in the third herd retirement it has conducted in the last nine months. The 86,710 cows and 1.8 billion pounds of milk accepted in this round, combined with CWT’s previous two herd retirements, equal a total production capacity...
Kentucky Grilled Chicken Most Memorable Product Launched
A poll of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers asking them to name the most memorable product launched in 2009 placed five fast-food products among the top 10 spots.
Kasich Formally Declares Run for Governor
Former U.S. Rep. John Kasich announced a run for governor on Monday evening, telling supporters in Westerville he's aiming for a fundamental shift in the state's leadership.
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Kasich Announcing Gubernatorial Bid Soon?
The Dayton Daily News reports on its blog that former U.S. Rep. John Kasich is planning to announce his bid for governor on June 1. Kasich's campaign website is also now live with a Youtube video message inviting everyone to a special announcement event at the Everal Barn in Westerville...
Johanns: Cap and Trade will Hammer Ag
In a speech delivered on the Senate floor Monday, Sen. Mike Johanns (D-Neb.) said agriculture will be hammered with increased production costs as a result of cap-and-trade. "Different studies come up with varying numbers, but they all paint the same picture: agriculture loses," Johanns said...
IRS-USDA Partnership May Make Farmers’ Lives Easier
A new partnership between the Agriculture Department and Internal Revenue Service to reduce fraud by verifying which farmers are eligible for farm program payments may make farmers’ lives easier, according to Tara Smith, American Farm Bureau Federation farm policy specialist. Smith said the...
Iowa Dairy Farmer Testifies Sector in a Price-Cost Squeeze
America’s dairy producers find themselves in a “price-cost squeeze” between plummeting milk prices and feed costs that have remained high. Several public and private assistance initiatives are in place, but relief is not yet being fully felt at the farm gate, an Iowa dairy farmer today told a House Agriculture subcommittee. Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Lang, partner in a dairy with his father, brother and sons, testified on behalf of the American Farm Bureau Federation before the subcommittee on livestock, dairy and poultry during a hearing on the economic challenges facing the dairy...
Inhofe Seeks Hearings on Climate Change E-Mails
Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, wrote committee Chair Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif. ) on Tuesday requesting hearings on the recent disclosure of e-mails between some of the world’s most pre-eminent climatologists that reveal...
Hybrid Influenza (Swine Flu) Outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) held a press conference this afternoon on the hybrid influenza outbreak which was originally announced about 10 days ago. WHO raised the pandemic flu alert level from phase 3 to 4.
Hunters Bag Nearly 20k Deer on Extra Weekend
The extra weekend of gun hunting was first offered in 2006 in response to hunters' request for additional weekend days to pursue white-tailed deer, the state's number one big game animal. In 2008, hunters took 16,382 deer during those two days.