What farmers call “winter wheat” – and ‘America the Beautiful” lyricist Katherine Lee Bates called “amber waves of grain” – graces the cover of the July/August issue of Our Ohio magazine as Union County member Ron Burns’ “A year in the life of a farmer” series moves into the summer.

This installment of Our Ohio also features an in-depth story of the opioid epidemic, its effect on rural Ohio and the people behind trying to establish policy to help thwart the rising tide of the problem.

There are stories about landowners who own property in a different part of the state dealing with energy issues from afar; Electronic Benefits Transfer cards at farmers markets and tracing that back to the Farm Bill; as well as a gardening feature that will be of interest to all, no matter the size of their garden.

The food feature centers on the commercial fishing Fish Ohio event at Lake Erie and there is a walleye or two in the recipe section. Farm Bureau member Glenda Thomas’ pizza farm presentation to fifth graders in Monroe County is the Our Community story for this issue.

A four-page section on the OFB Foundation highlighting the organization’s philanthropic endeavors is included, too, as well as a spotlight on Farm Bureau’s expanded field staff of organization directors.

As in every issue, the Across the Table column by OFBF Executive Vice President Adam Sharp, Grow & Know events and member benefits information also are included.

Our Ohio magazine is a benefit of Farm Bureau membership. Learn more.

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
Farm Bureau connections
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
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
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
Bringing the farm back to life
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
Farm Bureau involvement
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Select Partner Program
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
Advocacy
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