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.

fred-and-grandkids

Farm Bureau connections
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.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
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.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Farm Bureau involvement
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.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Select Partner Program
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.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
Advocacy
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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