James W. (Bill) Patterson of Chesterland has been re-elected first vice president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. He holds the second highest elected office in the state’s largest general farm organization. This is his second full term.

Previously, Patterson served as Ohio Farm Bureau’s treasurer. In 2011 he joined the organization’s board of trustees and will continue as the District 4 Trustee representing Farm Bureau members in Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties. His re-election took place Dec. 8 during Ohio Farm Bureau’s 99th annual meeting.  

Patterson farms with his family, raising apples, strawberries and peaches, and also has a farm market and a wholesale cider operation. He has two sons.

A 25-year member of the Geauga County Farm Bureau, he served as its president and vice president. He is a member of the Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association. Patterson received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Ohio State University. He also is a graduate of Ohio’s Leadership Education and Development Program – Class VII.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen the state’s communities. The organization helps its members engage in policy and communications activities to improve their communities and provides a wide range of member benefits. To learn more, visit ofbf.org.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Joe Cornely614-246-8230.

Editors: A high-resolution photo is available to accompany this story.

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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