Policy & Politics

Dairy Product Price Support Program Update

Published Jul. 31, 2009

The administration announced this morning (July 31st) that it is increasing the amount paid for dairy products through the Dairy Product Price Support Program (DPPSP). USDA estimates show that these increases, which will be in place from August 2009-October 2009, will increase dairy...

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L to R: OFBF Senior Vice President of Public Policy Keith Stimpert, OFBF President Steve Hirsch and Sen. Sherrod Brown

Diverse group of farmers gather to offer Sen. Brown input on farm bill

Published Jul. 20, 2011

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) President Steve Hirsch recently hosted Sen. Sherrod Brown on his farm for a roundtable listening session on the upcoming farm bill.

DOL Suspends Changes to H2A Program and Announces Updated Wage Rates

Published Jun. 4, 2009

The U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) announced on Friday, May 29 that it is suspending the final rule of December 18, 2008 to the H2A Temporary Agricultural Guest Worker Program for nine months effective on June 29, 2009, and in the meantime is reinstating the previous rule.

Editorial Warns of Higher Food Prices due to Climate Bill

Published Dec. 31, 2009

An editorial in today’s Investor’s Business Daily rallied against climate change legislation, stressing that consumers will pay higher food prices due to increased farming costs. “If the cap-and-trade provisions of the Waxman-Markey bill become law, you can wave goodbye to those amber waves...

Election 2010: Analysis and Results

Published Nov. 9, 2010

Republicans Sweep All Ohio Statewide Offices, Re-take Ohio House and U.S. House. Two former Ohio Farm Bureau Presidents Win Key Races and will now serve in the Ohio House of Representatives and U.S. Congress.As the most expensive mid-term elections in the nation’s history drew to a close...

Election 2012: Preview

Published Feb. 23, 2012

Farm Bureau members are encouraged to get involved in the 2012 elections by volunteering for and learning about candidates both at the local and state levels.

Endangered Species Act Reform (national policy)

Published May. 15, 2013

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.

EPA Bans Carbofuran for Food Crops

Published May. 14, 2009

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule Monday banning the use of the pesticide carbofuran on food crops, saying it poses an unacceptable health risk, especially to children.

EPA Delays Ethanol Blend Decision Until Summer

Published Dec. 23, 2009

The Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday that it will wait until June to decide whether to approve a petition by Growth Energy to boost the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline to 15 percent. EPA did acknowledge that it believes American cars built after 2001 “will likely be...

EPA Greenhouse Gas Rule Concerns Farm Bureau

Published Apr. 29, 2009

The Environmental Protection Agency published a proposed rule in the Federal Register, finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health and welfare. Publication of the rule opens a 60-day comment period on a proposal that could result in EPA regulating emissions under the Clean Air Act.