Applications for Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans now available
Members have three ways to apply: contacting a certified agent, calling 833-468-4280 or visiting ohiofarmbureauhealthplans.org.
Read MoreJohn Grafton, District 2 representative and current president of the Jefferson County Farm Bureau board of trustees, grew up on a family farm in Pleasant Hill. John and his five siblings (Jim, Harry, Barb, Sam and Dave) graduated from Jefferson Union High School, and John went on to graduate from the Ohio State University in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics. John also did post-graduate work in vocational education at Kent State.
John has been a beekeeper for 53 years and sells his own honey (Grafton’s Apiary) locally at M&M Hardware, Rural King, Jefferson Landmark and at many local festivals and events. John worked for the Ohio Department of Agriculture as an Apiary Inspection Supervisor and after retirement taught agriculture education in the Edison Local School District for five years. He was awarded “Beekeeper of the Year” by the Ohio State Beekeepers in 1993, and was also awarded an “Exceptional Service Award for Outstanding Work in Apiculture Education” by Apiary Inspectors of America in 2010. John is also currently a member of the Jefferson County Fair Board, an elder on the board of the Christian Church of Unionport and a member of the Ohio State Beekeeper’s Association and travels around the state teaching and lecturing on beekeeping.
He and his wife, Katie, live in Salem Township (you can find their house near the big giraffe on 646) and have two kids, Amanda (Grafton) Wood and Clinton Grafton. John can often be seen around the county with his ‘boss’ (granddaughter Isabel).
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.
Featured Articles
Growing our Generation: Votes in Farm Bureau matter
Ryan Hiser has experienced first-hand the importance of having the opportunity to vote on issues that will affect his family operation and other farmers.
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Ohio Farm Bureau officers re-elected at 107th Annual Meeting
Bill Patterson, Cy Prettyman and Adele Flynn will continue to serve as officers for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
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Ohio Farm Bureau shapes 2026 policy at annual meeting
Delegates discussed many topics impacting agriculture including farmland preservation, local foods, and succession planning.
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Ohio Farm Bureau trustees elected at 107th Annual Meeting
Twenty-six farmers govern the state’s largest farm and food organization.
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Ohio Farm Bureau presents inaugural County Leader of Distinction Awards
The 2025 recipients are Fred Cooke (posthumous) of Richland County, Marvin Dietsch of Williams County, Steven Knollman of Hamilton County and Michele Miller (posthumous) of Ottawa County.
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$100,000 Growing Tomorrow Grant awarded to Clover Valley Farm
Nathan and Jill Parriman grow seasonal crops, including Christmas trees, pumpkins and cut flowers, providing U-cut experiences that invite customers to engage directly with agriculture.
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Ohio Farm Bureau honors 2025 Distinguished Service Award winners
The 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipients are Craig Adams, Mike Townsley, and Kellogg Farms, Kurt Farms and Stateler Family Farms.
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A seat at the table with President Trump
Ohio Farm Bureau Treasurer Adele Flynn participated in the meeting, representing Ohio farmers.
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How reliable will electricity be this winter?
For Ohio and PJM region, the outlook is reassuring—ample reserves and strong planning should keep the power on.
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