105th annual meeting

Farmland preservation and development pressure were just a few of the important topics discussed by the delegates at Ohio Farm Bureau’s 105th annual meeting. In all, 359 delegates representing all county Farm Bureaus participated in the debate and discussion.

“The passion of our members is evidenced by the rigorous discussion and thought our delegates dedicate to policy as the core of our grassroots organization,” said Ohio Farm Bureau Vice President of Public Policy Jack Irvin. “As the members have set our policy, it is now our job to advocate at the Statehouse and in Washington, D.C., on behalf of them and all of Ohio agriculture.” 

New federal policy included important considerations for the use of artificial intelligence within the agricultural industry. This included considerations for data privacy, security and ownership, and necessary regulatory parameters for the use and development of AI. Delegates also supported new policy supporting regulation of community solar projects, including issues local governments can consider as they address siting ordinances and rules. Delegates also expressed their support for prioritizing the use of non-agricultural land for wind and solar projects. 

Policy to combat feral swine was added, which support prohibitions on importing, releasing, maintaining, or recreationally hunting feral swine. Delegates also discussed the issue of livestock shows, and supported the use of Food and Drug Administration and Food Residue Avoidance Databank standards for the enforcement of livestock exhibition rules. 

Responding to recent disaster events, delegates discussed and supported the importance of local emergency management agencies engaging with the agricultural community to appropriately prepare for emergencies. The organization also supported long-time monitoring and assessment of air, land, plant and water resources in a designated disaster impact area. 

More than 750 members and guests attended the meeting in Columbus Dec. 7-8. Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen the state’s communities. 

For more from the 105th annual meeting, visit ofb.ag/2023annualmeeting.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or [email protected].

Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
Mandy Way's avatar
Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
Ernie Welch's avatar
Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
Jaclyn De Candio's avatar
Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
Jenna Gregorich's avatar
Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
Jared Hughes's avatar
Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
Austin Heil's avatar
Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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