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.
The House and Senate have voted to pass a bill that avoids a looming government shutdown. The bill, which includes short-term spending, disaster aid and a farm bill extension.
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The disaster relief funding disbursement will be overseen by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and administered through local soil & water districts.
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The winners of the 2024 Ohio Farm Bureau Advocacy in Action Award are Roger Baker of Wayne County and Neall Weber (posthumously) of Franklin County.
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The requirement for businesses that are registered with their state to file information about beneficial owners with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has been paused.
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Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives recommend safe energy conservation during extreme cold snaps to help alleviate demand.
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Delegates discussed many important topics including carbon sequestration and mental health at the Ohio Farm Bureau’s 106th Annual Meeting.
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Bill Patterson, Cy Prettyman and Adele Flynn will continue to serve as officers for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
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10 Ohio Farm Bureau members were elected to the federation’s state board during the 106th annual meeting.
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The grants help inspire, encourage and nurture young agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs to find creative and transformative ways to address challenges facing the agricultural sector today.
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The 2024 Distinguished Service Award recipients are Dr. John Mossbarger of Fayette County, Sen. Rob Portman of Warren County and Jane Scott of Franklin County.
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