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.
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
Ohio Farm Bureau names 2026 policy development committee
Twenty leaders have been named to the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Policy Development Committee.
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Ag Safety Training offered for central Ohio first responders at Farm Science Review
Two specialized, hands-on training sessions will address high-risk agricultural emergencies: manure pit rescues in confined spaces and roadside livestock transportation accidents.
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Growing our Generation: imAGine Ag intern team insights
The 75,000 square foot ImAGine Ag exhibit made its debut at the 2026 Ohio State Fair in the new Ohio Agriculture Center, giving thousands of visitors a hands-on, interactive learning experience.
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Early-bird registration for 2027 Winter Leadership Experience now open
Early-bird pricing for the conference will end Dec. 15, 2026, with a final registration deadline of Jan. 5, 2027. Event details, session updates and registration are available at ofb.ag/WLE.
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Professional development for K-5 educators held at state fair
More than 50 K-5 educators took part in professional development events at the 2026 Ohio State Fair, centered around agricultural education and the organization’s new imAGine Ag exhibit.
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Nationwide: Founded by farmers, for farmers
Founded by farmers in 1926, Nationwide has grown into a trusted partner for the agricultural community while staying true to its roots.
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Ohio business community endorses Hawkins, O’Donnell for Ohio Supreme Court
Five of Ohio’s leading business organizations, including Ohio Farm Bureau, announced support this week for Justice Dan Hawkins and Colleen O’Donnell in the 2026 elections for the Ohio Supreme Court.
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2026 Cultivating a Cure raises over $150,000
The 16th annual Cultivating a Cure welcomed more than 320 attendees and raised $151,053 to support cancer treatment and prevention research.
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Applications open for 2027 YAP competitive events
Ohio Farm Bureau is accepting applications for the Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture, and Outstanding Young Farmer 2027 contests.
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