Ohio Farm Bureau was successful this week in getting two amendments added to the state’s transportation budget that will help farmers and rural residents.

The first amendment would allow farm utility vehicles that display a slow moving vehicle emblem to travel on a road with a speed limit above 35 mph if going from farm to field in the course of agricultural production. Freeways would be excluded.

“Many of our members have farms that are separated by roads like these, making it illegal for them to use their utility vehicles for farm work,” said Tony Seegers, OFBF director of state policy.

The second amendment would require notification of proposals to create “limited access” highways so farmers are aware of changes and have time to plan alternate routes. The Ohio Department of Transportation would be required to publish a notice in the local newspaper once a week for two weeks, notify the state’s farm organizations electronically four weeks before the change and take comments from the public on any proposed changes.

“Our members have found that one day they are using a road to get to their fields and the next day they see a limited access sign prohibiting farm machinery. These notifications will be helpful for rural residents who are driving farm vehicles that can’t go down limited access highways,” Seegers said.

The bill now is before Gov. John Kasich, awaiting his signature.

Update: Gov. Kasich signed the transportation bill.

Ohio Farm Bureau membership

 

My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

New and beginning farmers
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
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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