Fred Cooke is originally from Shelby and grew up on his family’s farm located outside of town. He received his high school diploma from Shelby High School. After high school, Fred attended The Ohio State University where he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He is married to Lynn Cooke. Together they have three kids and several grandchildren. Besides Farm Bureau, Fred has been extremely involved in the community. He has been active with Shelby Public Health, his church, Richland County Soil and Water Advisory Committee, and the Shelby FFA where he was the previous ag teacher.
What and where do you farm? I raise chickens and grain in the Shelby area. I was also the agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor at Shelby High School until 2003.
How long have you been a farmer? I have been a farmer my entire life.
Why did you decide to be a farmer? I decided to be a farmer because I was raised as a child into farming.
What do you love about farming? I love the freedom that farming brings.
Why do you think it is important to know where your food comes from? I think it is important to know where your food comes from so you appreciate the hard work put into your food.
Why are you active (the biggest benefit) in Farm Bureau? I am active to promote agriculture.
What is your favorite Farm Bureau event or activity? My favorite Farm Bureau event is the county fair.
What Farm Bureau programs are you most active in? I am active in all of the Farm Bureau programs.
What are your hobbies besides farming? Besides farming, I enjoy fishing and spending time with my grandchildren.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? I would like to travel all around the world and see everything.
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
An upward trend in CAUV values and significant increases in soil values for 2024 apply only to counties that are being reappraised or updated in 2024.
Read More
Throughout all visits there were three constant themes that are also relevant in Ohio agriculture: efficiency, scarce resources, and collaboration.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Young Ag Professionals program is seeking participants for its Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture, and Outstanding Young Farmer contests.
Read More
The 2024 Sale of Champions livestock auction concluded the Ohio State Fair. This year’s sale raised $134,500 for the Youth Reserve Program.
Read More
From now until Aug. 12, you can receive FREE gutters and downspouts when you upgrade your roof.
Read More
This year marks the 10 year anniversary of the Toledo water crisis. Here is a Top 10 list of water quality stories that shine a light on the progress Ohio’s agriculture community is making.
Read More
Agriculture for Good Government PAC has endorsed Justice Joseph Deters, Judge Dan Hawkins and Judge Megan Shanahan for election to the Ohio Supreme Court.
Read More
The Ohio State University President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. visited Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson and his family at their farm, Patterson Fruit Farm, July 23, 2024, as part of Carter’s tour of Ohio agriculture.
Read More
As Ohio Farm Bureau Policy Counsel Leah Curtis notes in this Legal with Leah, these changes should result in significant tax savings for many Ohio woodland owners.
Read More
