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Kayla Richards is organization director for Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood counties. In this role, she is a liaison between county Farm Bureaus and Ohio Farm Bureau. She assists county groups as they develop and implement programs to strengthen their organizations, serve members and affect positive change in their communities.

Richards graduated from Bowling Green State University with bachelor’s degree in arts and sciences. Her youth days were filled with 4-H and FFA activities, as well as competing on a county livestock judging team. Today she and her husband operate a small herd of cattle with their three young children

What is something you can point to that has been accomplished thanks to the joint efforts of farmers and community members in your area?

With the efforts of farmers and Soil and Water Conservation District, the county Farm Bureaus have been able to conduct research on various practices of farming and how that affects water quality. Now in our third year of research of nitrogen application, with the use of the data from several different testing operations: soil test, Solvita test, 360 Soil Scan, leaf tissue tests, and an end-of-season corn stalk nitrate test, we are gathering useful information to provide to our membership. The C.L.E.A.N. Project hosts a Nutrient Management Meeting in early spring to present data and have keynote speakers on important topics relating to farming techniques and water quality. Projects like this are so important to help ensure clean waterways while providing the tools to ensure a successful growing season.

What is your favorite Farm Bureau member benefit?

Member Savings Advantage, and the Sherwin-Williams discount has been helpful for projects around our home.

Tell us about one big project one of your counties has planned or has recently conducted?

Ottawa County hosted its 1st Annual Goat and Sheep Jackpot Show. This event was held at the fairgrounds in Oak Harbor. The county Farm Bureau joined forces with three FFA chapters to be able to put on this show. All proceeds will be donated back to the Junior Fair. This is just one way the Ottawa County Farm Bureau has invested into local programs that support youth and agriculture education.