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Welcome to Marion County Farm Bureau’s member spotlight blog! Every month, Marion County will feature a spotlight blog on a board member so you can get to know him or her a little better.
Our monthly spotlight blog features Marion County Farm Bureau’s board trustee, John Hafer, who is originally from La Rue, Ohio. John graduated from Elgin High School and still lives locally.
Get to know John better by reading the interview below.
Meet John Hafer
What and where do you farm?
I farm corn, soybeans and wheat in La Rue.
How long have you been a farmer and was your family in farming?
I am a seventh generation farmer on the family farm.
Why did you decide to be a farmer?
I wanted to continue the family farm.
What do you love about farming?
I love caring for the environment and living off the land.
From where do you get the motivation to do what you are doing?
From it being a family tradition.
Why do you think it’s important to know where your food comes from?
It is very important to know where your food comes from, because the more knowledge we have about our food, the better understanding everyone will have for agriculture.
Why are you a Farm Bureau member? What do you see as the biggest benefit?
Farm Bureau lobbies for changes to CAUV, the farm bill, EPA regulations, and so much more.
What is your favorite Farm Bureau event or activity?
OFBF’s annual meeting.
Life Outside of Farm Bureau
What are your hobbies besides farming?
I like to go snowmobiling, boating and working on my truck.
What is your favorite thing about the township you live in?
That it is a small community.
Three words best to describe yourself.
I am dedicated, hardworking and loyal.
You are happiest when?
I am on the farm or snowmobiling.
What does your perfect day look like?
A perfect day is when I run the combine all day without breaking anything.
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
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.
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.
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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.
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.
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