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.
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Roy D. Norman is senior organization director for Defiance, Fulton, Henry and Williams counties. In this role, he is a liaison between the the county Farm Bureaus and Ohio Farm Bureau. He assists county groups as they develop and implement programs to strengthen their organizations, serve members and affect positive change in their communities.
He is an Ohio State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and ag economics.
What is something you can point to that has been accomplished thanks to the joint efforts of farmers and community members in your area?
Our support of the Kansas Wildfire Relief Fund. With the help of members Nate Like, Jamie Friedel, David Traxler and many others, more than 30 semis headed to Kansas in a truck convoy to support the farmers and ranchers suffering from the wildfires this spring. Fencing supplies, hay, milk replacer, clothing, money and other donations were given to the cause by area members and local businesses eager to help those in need.
What is your favorite Farm Bureau member benefit?
Our Sauder Village buy one admission, get a second admission free (offered to all members for some special events and year-round for Fulton County members)
Tell us about one big project one of your counties has planned or has recently conducted.
One of the most satisfying events has been our 2015 Breakfast on the Farm event which attracted over 3,000 guests. The event was a huge success built on the combined efforts of Farm Bureau, SWCD, and OSU Extension with the support of the Brehm Family and hundreds of volunteers. Also, our Farmers Feed Our Needs project stands out in my mind. Fulton County carrot farmer Tom O’Neill donated about 180,000 pounds of carrots, which needed to be harvested, washed, bagged and delivered to Ohio food banks. With help of many volunteers, FFA members, the Tim Dennis family, and the Bernath family, the project was a success and was talked about by Ohio food bank employees for months. Both of these events were recognized as County Activities of Excellence by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
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.
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.
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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.
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.
Featured Articles
Recent H-2A program impacts aim to steady farm labor costs, needs
A recent state budget fix and a federal rule reform to H-2A have resulted in some relief for farmers who use the guest worker program.
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Legal with Leah: Understanding the Change to Ohio’s Pesticide Law
Ohio Farm Bureau advocated for a change in the law to allow family members and employees to handle pesticides while under the supervision of a licensed applicator. The rules around HB 10 are being finalized.
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2026 Young Ag Professionals award winners announced
Lincoln Deitrick was named the Outstanding Young Farmer, Denver Davis won the Excellence in Agriculture Award, and Margaret Houts won the Discussion Meet.
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Downing named Ohio Farm Bureau finance director of county operations
Michelle Downing of Franklin County has been named finance director of county operations for Ohio Farm Bureau.
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Growing our Generation: Ohio Farm Bureau membership value
Remember why you joined Farm Bureau and find others that want to join for the same reasons. ~ Alicia Weaver
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Legal with Leah: Insight on Recent Property Tax Legislation
Four property tax reform bills were signed into Ohio law at the end of 2025. Ohio Farm Bureau Associate General Counsel Leah Curtis breaks down the bills and what the changes mean for Ohioans.
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What the One Big Beautiful Bill means for Ohio agriculture
Overall, $65.6 billion from this aid package is projected to increase agriculture-focused spending over the next decade.
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OFBF policies adopted at AFBF convention
Ohio Farm Bureau brought forth 10 policies to be voted upon by delegates at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Anaheim earlier this week, and all 10 were approved as national policy.
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New Year, New Savings: Transform your pole barn in 2026 with FBi Buildings
For property owners with aging post-frame buildings, the new year is an ideal time to rethink the future of your pole barn.
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