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.
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Welcome to Hardin County Farm Bureau’s member spotlight blog! Every month, Hardin County Farm Bureau will feature a spotlight blog on a board member so you can get to know him or her a little better.
Our monthly spotlight blog features Hardin County Farm Bureau’s board president, Shelby Brammell, who is originally from Marion. Shelby graduated from Ridgedale High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. She is married and has three children. Shelby is active in the Kenton Christian Missionary Alliance through several Children’s Ministry programs.
Meet Shelby Brammell
What and where do you farm (or work for an agribusiness)?
While we have raised crops, hay, straw, cattle, and a variety of other livestock, our current focus is making maple syrup at the Brammell Family Sugar Shack, in Dudley Township. I was an ag teacher for five years before deciding to stay at home on the farm and sell crop insurance through Crossroads Crop Insurance.
How long have you been a farmer?
I have been raising livestock throughout the past 25 years and owned our current farm for 10 years.
Why did you decide to be a farmer (or work in agribusiness)?
We chose to farm because we love this way of life. Few things in life are as rewarding as the work ethic and harvest found within the farm.
What do you love about farming?
I have a love for the land and I love trusting the Lord will always give us the season we need.
Why do you think it’s important to know where your food comes from?
People will be more likely to value our role as farmers if they consider directly where their nourishment comes from. Many positive outcomes will come to fruition when someone values the farmer. Having a direct market to your food, and knowing directly where your food comes from is even better! Relationships are built through direct marketing and relationships make people more confident in agriculture!
Why are you a Farm Bureau member? What do you see as the biggest benefit?
Farm Bureau helps share the farmer’s story from the field to the table, at the local, state, and national level through policy development, social media, and events. Farm Bureau also helps farmers grow in knowledge and supports young people with a passion for agriculture in many ways.
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
Ohio Farm Bureau members support maple syrup legislation
Introduced by Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) and Rep. David Thomas (R-Jefferson), the bill would add trees cultivated for maple syrup production to Ohio’s statutory definition of agriculture.
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Ohio Farm Bureau launches partnership with Gripp
Ohio Farm Bureau members receive exclusive access and discounted rates to digital tools specifically designed to maximize day-to-day productivity, simplify equipment maintenance and enhance asset protection.
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Ohio Farm Bureau shares members’ concerns with Joint Data Center Committee
Ohio Farm Bureau shared members’ concerns about the rapid growth of data centers across the state and the long-term impacts on agriculture and rural communities.
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Be a part of the America 250-Ohio Agritourism Trail
The online application period is open now, until June 30, for those who would like to apply to be featured on the America 250-Ohio Agritourism Trail.
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Ohio Farm Bureau supports expanded access to E15 on Ohio Turnpike
Ohio Farm Bureau testified in support of House Bill 773, legislation that would allow Ohio Turnpike travel plazas to offer E15.
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Applications open for AgriPOWER Class XVII
Ohio Farm Bureau is accepting applications for AgriPOWER Class XVII, its leadership and advocacy development program. Application deadline is Aug. 1, 2026.
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Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation awards $147,500 in scholarships
Annually, the foundation recognizes Ohio students for their academic effort, community engagement and career interests that link agriculture to community service, education or scientific research.
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Ohio Farm Bureau appreciates pause for data center tax exemption
Gov. Mike DeWine’s recent decision to pause consideration of any new data center tax exemption requests, through the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, comes as the Ohio General Assembly’s Joint Data Center Study Committee looks at the growth of data centers in Ohio.
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Price checkers wanted
Farm Bureau members are invited to participate June 1-7 in American Farm Bureau’s Summer Cookout Survey of retail food prices commonly used to prepare a cookout meal for 10 people.
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