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.
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Learn about this month’s Feature Farmer, Ralph Hugus!
Ralph is the owner of Hugus Fruit Farm, located in Fairfield County. His family farm is a total of 300 acres; 30 of those acres are in fruit tree production, 100 acres are in timber production, and the remaining acres are cash rented to other farmers for grain and beef cattle. Ralph said the primary focus is the growing and selling
of the apples, pears, peaches, and plums. “We have a cider mill for pressing our own cider for sale, and we do custom pressing for other apple producers. I also have a portable sawmill for cutting lumber from our own woods, and I also do custom sawing for others,” explained Ralph. His favorite thing about being a farmer is running his own business, setting his own schedule, and seeing how customers appreciate the products.
According to Ralph, what makes Hugus Fruit Farm unique from other farms is there are not a lot of fruit tree producers in Ohio, and very few of them operate their own cider mill. Another thing that Ralph said makes their operation different is that they utilize the timber as a “crop.” Managing timber as part of a farm is not always a high priority for some farmers.
There is little down time on Hugus Fruit Farm. “For the tree fruit, non harvest time activities include annual pruning of the entire orchard, and maintenance of equipment and buildings. The running of my portable sawmill is done during months other than during the tree fruit harvest.”
The biggest challenge Ralph faces on his farm is government regulations, which is the case for many in the agriculture industry. Rules and policies are often conflicting and/or ambiguous and then enforced by inspectors who do not understand them, he said.
“The most helpful Farm Bureau activity to me is the lobbying done on behalf of agriculture interests, trying to help politicians and the public understand the realities of farming.”
Nice work Ralph. We value your Farm Bureau membership!
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
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Ohio Farm Bureau provides opportunities, platforms and resources to help you develop your voice in the industry and give farmers a seat at the table with leaders and legislators.
Read MoreThe emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of summer gasoline blends containing 15% ethanol will lengthen the period during which Americans can continue buying E15 from June 1 to Sept. 15.
Read MoreThe Small-Scale Food Business Guide covers federal and state regulations for selling food products such as raw meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, cottage foods, fruits and vegetables, honey and more.
Read MoreNew resources and technology are broadening the different types of sales tools and strategies available to farmers.
Read MoreODA 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 MoreKatie Share of Columbus has been named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read MoreMary Klopfenstein of Delphos has been named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read MoreThe 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 MoreThe 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.
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