Hundreds of Farm Bureau members gathered in downtown Columbus to meet one-on-one with their state senators and representatives during Ohio Farm Bureau’s annual Ag Day at the Capital Feb. 28. Ohio Farm Bureau priority issues such as water quality, economic development, energy and the drug epidemic were discussed, along with a host of other community issues.

Adam Sharp Ag Day
OFB Executive Vice President Adam Sharp, left, recognizes Ohio companies who are group members and have been certified under the 4-R Nutrient Stewardship Program. They are, from right, Andy Swerlein of Luckey Farmers, Mark Sunderman of Legacy Farmers Cooperative and Morgan Niedermier of Sunrise Cooperative. The voluntary program trains service providers to adopt proven water quality practices through the 4Rs – right source, right rate, right time, and right place.

Wendy’s Chief Communications Officer Liliana Esposito gave the keynote address at lunch while simultaneously being a guest on Town Hall Ohio with Farm Bureau’s Joe Cornely. She spoke before a room full of Farm Bureau members and state legislators about the importance and challenges of communication with both farmers and consumers. Concurrent sessions were held on the nuances of the policy development process and on having the information needed to help dispel myths about agriculture perpetuated by various outside sources.

Esposito Cornely Ag Day
Keynote speaker Liliana Esposito, chief communications officer for Wendy’s, talks with Town Hall Ohio’s Joe Cornely during a live recording of the program at Ag Day at the Capital.

Continuously throughout the day, Farm Bureau members visited with state senators and representatives and their staffs at the Statehouse and Riffe Center in downtown Columbus. The power and organization of Ohio Farm Bureau was referenced more than once, notably including the success of passing CAUV reform last year. The annual Ag Day at the Capital event embodies the grassroots efforts of Ohio Farm Bureau member volunteers. 

Hackett Ag Day
Several Farm Bureau members meet with Sen. Robert Hackett, left, at Ag Day at the Capital.

 

Kick Ag Day
Ohio Rep. Darrell Kick talks with several Farm Bureau members during Ag Day at the Capital.

Ohio Farm Bureau membership

 

Farm Bureau connections
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.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
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.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
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Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Farm Bureau involvement
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.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Select Partner Program
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.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
Advocacy
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.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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