Farmer’s Guide to Trucking Regulations available to Ohio Farm Bureau members
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
Read More
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
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.
Featured Articles
Farm Bureau welcomes summer ethanol blend waiver
The emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of summer gasoline blends containing 15% ethanol will lengthen the period during which Americans can continue buying E15 from June 1 to Sept. 15.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau introduces Small-Scale Food Business Guide
The Small-Scale Food Business Guide covers federal and state regulations for selling food products such as raw meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, cottage foods, fruits and vegetables, honey and more.
Read More
Cashing in the direct-to-consumer food sales boom
New resources and technology are broadening the different types of sales tools and strategies available to farmers.
Read More
DeWine announces statewide open enrollment for H2Ohio Agricultural Incentive Program
ODA will enroll 500,000 acres into the program for a two-week sign-up period, beginning April 22, 2024, through May 6, 2024. Contact local SWCD offices to apply.
Read More
Share named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist
Katie Share of Columbus has been named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read More
Klopfenstein named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist
Mary Klopfenstein of Delphos has been named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan now offered to all sole proprietors
The plan has been updated to give sole proprietors access to more rate stability and a smart solution that offers potential savings on health care.
Read More
Ohioans can compete for ag business startup funds
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 15 for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
Read More
Flynn elected treasurer of Ohio Farm Bureau
Adele Flynn of Wellington has been elected treasurer of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and now holds the third highest elected office in Ohio’s largest and most influential farm organization.
Read More