Ohio Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Adam Sharp started his keynote address to delegates at the 99th annual meeting by quoting Farm Bureau’s new mission statement early in his remarks: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.

“It’s simple. It’s straightforward and to the point,” he said.

Sharp has completed 56 stops so far on his CORE tour in the counties, talking with members across the state.

“We have tons of commonality,” he said. “I heard four, five, six of the same themes in these meetings. That helps me understand where we want to be collectively moving forward.”

In that vein, Sharp spoke about the six goals of the 2018-2020 strategic plan surrounding advocacy, membership, communications, financial strength, strategic partnerships and organizational excellence.

It is his organizational vision and desire for Farm Bureau to build on relationships within the agricultural community — including building stronger partnerships with commodity groups.

“Nobody is better situated to bring the ag community together than Ohio Farm Bureau,” he said.

Sharp also highlighted the work done in local communities by county Farm Bureaus as well as accomplishments by members and staff to achieve CAUV reform in a challenging political environment. He lifted up continued volunteer efforts by farmers who are remaining proactive about the issue of water quality and the importance of Farm Bureau to remain the “voice of reason” on sound policy decisions in the state of Ohio.

“There is one reason I am excited about our future and that’s you, our members,” he told the crowd in December. “Thank you for being the best grassroots organization in this state and one of the best grassroots organizations in the country.”