Buckeye Farm News

 Preserving Ohio’s natural resources is important to farmers.  – Staff represented OFBF and Lake Erie Basin agricultural interests at the first meeting of the Ohio Great Lakes Compact Advisory Board and participated in a Natural Resources Conservation Service meeting to help develop the statewide score sheet to qualify applicants for the 2009 general EQIP program.

County Farm Bureaus receive support from state staff.   – Staff represented OFBF at a Butler County Farm Bureau legislative meeting, Fairfield County Farm Bureau’s membership campaign kick-off and Greene County’s Farmer’s Share Breakfast.

Ohio agricultural groups are collaborating as animal rights groups target the state. – OFBF gave presentations about animal rights/welfare issues to Crawford County Cattlemen’s Association, OFBF Young Agricultural Professionals conference, Fairfield County Farm Bureau’s membership campaign kick-off, Greene County Farm Bureau’s Farmer’s Share Breakfast and Buckeye Veal producers/growers. Staff met with the Ohio Association of Meat Processors and Ohio Grocers Association to discuss the impact animal welfare/rights group could have on members. OFBF also participated in interviews with print media regarding activities of the Humane Society of the United States in Ohio.

Ohio farmers need up-to-date information on changing regulations.   – OFBF attended the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Milk Sanitation Board of Directors meeting to receive information about proposed testing/fee structuring changes.

Lawmakers need background on farm and agricultural issues to produce sound policies.   – OFBF met with the new Ohio House Agriculture Committee chair, speaker of the Ohio House and Ohio House minority leader to discuss various agricultural policy issues.