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.

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.
Mandy Way's avatar
Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
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.
Ernie Welch's avatar
Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong 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.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
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.
Jaclyn De Candio's avatar
Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
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.
Jenna Gregorich's avatar
Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
Jared Hughes's avatar
Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
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.
Austin Heil's avatar
Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
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.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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