Farmer’s Guide to Trucking Regulations available to Ohio Farm Bureau members
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
Read More
“Does chocolate milk come from brown cows?” I get a chuckle when kids ask that. But when 16 million adult Americans believe that’s true? Not so funny.
A Washington Post story that examined that apparently common misperception says many Americans are “agriculturally illiterate.” The article concludes that being ill-informed about food and farming has consequences — we may not eat well and we may not vote wisely.
I’m not the best person to advise you on your diet, but I do know a bit about public policy. I’m convinced that voters are unknowingly, intentionally exposed to “facts” about agriculture that simply aren’t true.
Corporations control farming. International trade hurts our economy. Farm subsidies drain the federal budget. All common allegations. All unfactual. The infographics below tell the real story. The American Farm Bureau has a lot more facts about food and farming. Two other great sources are fooddialogues.com or bestfoodfacts.org. A little time on these sites will provide some fresh perspective on food topics that matter.
Granted, it’s not really a big deal if some of us correlate milk flavor to cow color. But it is a big deal if you believe that agriculture is corporate, trade is bad and farmers live on the public dole. It’s a big deal if you think farmers regularly harm the environment, hurt their animals or grow terrible food. These topics affect your family, your community and your wallet. And bad information can lead to bad decisions when you vote.
That bad information isn’t out there by accident. People who don’t like the way farmers farm aren’t bashful about spreading their version of the “facts.” I ask only that you consider what farmers have to say, too.
Oh, by the way: it’s fresh, wholesome milk with cocoa and sugar. It’s great. And that’s a fact.
Farm exports help the economy
In 2016, $135.5 billion worth of American agricultural products were exported around the globe. The top five customers accounted for 61 percent of all exports.
Canada and Mexico are two of the United States’ largest trading partners. Together, they account for $38.4 billion of U.S. agricultural exports.
Feature image: © Lithiumphoto | Dreamstime.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
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.
Featured Articles
DeWine announces statewide open enrollment for H2Ohio Agricultural Incentive Program
ODA will enroll 500,000 acres into the program for a two-week sign-up period, beginning April 22, 2024, through May 6, 2024. Contact local SWCD offices to apply.
Read More
Share named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist
Katie Share of Columbus has been named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read More
Klopfenstein named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist
Mary Klopfenstein of Delphos has been named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan now offered to all sole proprietors
The plan has been updated to give sole proprietors access to more rate stability and a smart solution that offers potential savings on health care.
Read More
Ohioans can compete for ag business startup funds
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 15 for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
Read More
Flynn elected treasurer of Ohio Farm Bureau
Adele Flynn of Wellington has been elected treasurer of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and now holds the third highest elected office in Ohio’s largest and most influential farm organization.
Read More
HPAI in Ohio dairy herd: What you need to know
Producers are urged to work with their veterinarian to practice enhanced biosecurity measures and review and limit cattle movements within production systems.
Read More
The 5 most common spring pole barn repairs you need to know
The changing seasons bring with them the need to thoroughly inspect pole barns for any damages that may have occurred during the winter months.
Read More
Health care advice from Ohio’s agricultural community
Hundreds of Ohio businesses and sole proprietors are raving about Ohio Farm Bureau’s Health Benefits plan with lower, predictable costs and easy enrollment and administration options.
Read More