Applications for Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans now available
Members have three ways to apply: contacting a certified agent, calling 833-468-4280 or visiting ohiofarmbureauhealthplans.org.
Read More
As soon as pigs are born on Seth and Lyndsey Teter’s farm, they call their meat processor. Calling up to half a year ahead of time is less than ideal, but the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau couple know that if they don’t get that appointment, they’ll struggle to find a place to have the animals harvested and processed.
“We’ve had it happen where we’ve called six months out and they were already booked up and that’s pushed us out even further. We get the sense that the whole system is under strain, especially when it comes to capacity and finding reliable plant employees,” Seth said. It’s not unusual for the couple to have to travel 1 ½ hours to have their animals processed.
The Teters and other small and medium-size livestock producers have increasingly reached out to Ohio Farm Bureau over the last couple of years to share their frustration with getting their animals harvested and processed in a timely manner.
“The main thing we’ve heard is that farmers have long waits to get animals harvested,” said Roger High, OFBF’s director of livestock policy. “Livestock producers really have to project far out when their animals will be finished. There is a shortage of meat processors – parts of the state have no processors available. Plus plants, especially smaller ones, have trouble getting employees to work for them.”
OFBF staff have met with Ohio Department of Agriculture leaders to share members’ stories and learn more about the state and federal regulations the meat processing industry needs to comply with.
“It’s very difficult to get to the heart of the problem because there are so many factors there,” said Elizabeth Harsh, executive director of the Ohio Cattlemen’s
Association. “There’s certainly a capacity issue, an employee issue and some seasonality issues. Some of our beef producers tell us that it’s really tight during deer season and that (meat processors) are so swamped that they can’t get food animals in there.”
As president of the Ohio Association of Meat Processors and plant manager of a poultry processing plant, Darke County Farm Bureau member Levi King is familiar with many of these problems. The biggest challenge for his business, King and Sons Poultry Services in Bradford, is maintaining a reliable and skilled workforce. Because of the seasonality of the poultry industry, January to April is a slow season and most employees need more than part-time work. He’s also competing with local factories that often offer higher wages and full-time positions.
“A lot of (poultry) processor plants are not used for maximum capacity because of seasonality,” King said. “There are definitely lots of challenges … and it’s not hugely profitable. It seems to be more and more expensive to manage it all.”
For the Teters, they are expanding their pasture-raised hog business and wonder if the two processors they rely on will be able to meet their demand as they grow. Building a facility on their property is cost prohibitive – about a $500,000 investment. And they’ve talked with some meat processors who have indicated the next generation is not interested in continuing the family business.
“It’s amazing the guys who do this because of the amount of paperwork they have to fill out …The fact that they stick around and do what they do is amazing,” Seth Teter said.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Division of Meat Inspection regulates 275 meat and poultry plants of which 194 are fully inspected facilities. There are 188 meat, poultry and egg product plants inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Source: ODA
Cutline: Seth and Lyndsey Teter, who sometimes travel 1 1/2 hours to have their hogs butchered, watch as one of their hogs is broken down.
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.
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.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Featured Articles
What would Grandma and Grandpa have wanted?
These discussions should not begin and end with a developer’s offer. Identifying family goals now gives the family something to plan around.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau, partners pack 10,000 meals to kick off Food and Farms Month
Ohio Farm Bureau joined leaders from across Ohio’s food and agriculture industry this week to pack 10,000 meals for central…
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau supports expanded use of dyed diesel
The administration recently issued an executive order easing restrictions on the use of tax-exempt dyed diesel fuel for on-road agricultural transportation.
Read More
Legal with Leah: Eminent Domain and Quick Take
Ohio Farm Bureau Associate General Counsel Leah Curtis explains how the eminent domain process works in Ohio, what ‘quick take’ means and when it can be used.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau statement on gas tax holiday
As fuel prices skyrocket across the state, lawmakers are preparing to return to the Statehouse to vote on the temporary suspension of Ohio’s gas tax.
Read More
Ohio’s 2026 top conservation farmers honored
Since 1984, the Conservation Farm Family Awards program has recognized Ohio farm families for their exemplary efforts conserving soil, water, woodland, wildlife, and other natural resources.
Read More
Growing our Generation: A life of service
Meet Joe Everett, a Shelby County Farm Bureau Young Ag Professional who has dedicated his life to service, both in uniform and within his local community.
Read More
How to prepare for a year-end conversation with your lender
A year-end review provides an opportunity to evaluate your operation’s financial position, discuss future goals and develop strategies for the upcoming season.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau releases new agritourism guide
Ohio Farm Bureau has created a new guide to help members better understand the laws, regulations and risk considerations that come with opening their farms to the public.
Read More