Times are tough for our dairy farmers. We know our members are facing steep challenges in the market, including contract cancellations, low prices and falling consumer demand.

“We are aggressively looking for alternatives to help our dairy farmers outside the scope of the farm bill,” said OFBF Senior Director of State and National Policy Jack Irvin. Ohio Farm Bureau President Frank Burkett III, a Stark County dairy farmer,  talked about the issue with OFBF’s Joe Cornely.

Ohio Farm Bureau supported American Farm Bureau, which conceived and lobbied for a new dairy revenue insurance program, which is awaiting USDA approval.

Policy changes affecting the margin protection program and other dairy risk management programs within USDA were recently signed into law by President Trump through the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018.

Other actions that have been led and supported by Farm Bureau include:

  • Fighting to keep the portions of NAFTA in place that have helped dairy exports.
  • Lobbying for responses to Canadian trade practices that hurt Ohio dairies.
  • Supporting research that improves dairy production.
  • Supporting checkoff programs that fund domestic and international dairy consumption.
  • Lobbying and securing CAUV reforms, which is saving members an average of 30-percent.
  • Lobbying for federal tax reform has potential significant savings for farmers.

Contact Us

Farm Bureau hears your concerns, but we need your help to magnify your voice. Dairy farmers including Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau President Jim Rowe and Marion County Farm Bureau President Karl Wedemeyer voiced their concerns during the County Presidents’ Trip in Washington, DC March 13-15.

We need to continue to let representatives know the challenges dairy farmers face.

Email your story to [email protected].

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

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

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

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.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

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

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.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Suggested Tags: