Ohio Farm Bureau hosts statewide CAUV update webinar
The Statewide CAUV Update Webinar explained more about the recent changes in CAUV and what could be next for the program. Watch the recording.
Read MoreMercer County Farm Bureau Spotlight Member is board member Mark Houts. Mark and his wife, Michelle, have a grain and livestock farm near Rockford, Ohio.
Farming is the family business and after graduation from The Ohio State Universiy where he studied agricultural economics, Mark returned to the family farm and worked alongside his father as a part of the Houts Partnership. That partnership has now grown to include his son Seth who joined him after Mark’s father retired.
Mark became involved with the Mercer County Farm Bureau when he was placed on a committee several years ago. His parents had been involved with Farm Bureau and he felt like it was important to be involved. “There aren’t too many organizations that represent farmers that are involved with livestock and grain farming. It is a good resource for people with questions and concerns about different topics.”
As agriculture moves forward, Mark believes that trying to educate the public about what producers do will be paramount to our success. “We need to try and help the public understand what farmers are doing, and the reasons behind them. Because with misunderstanding, there is only an ever-growing divide about where our food comes from.” Bridging this gap is a cause that his family takes very seriously. Michelle, Mark’s wife, is a writer of both children and adult literature and for many years worked as both a writer and teacher, then took the plunge this year and is writing full time.
Her first children’s book published several years ago was called the “Beef Princess of Practical County,” a novel about her daughters showing and raising their steers for 4-H. The book went on to be a great tool for the Farm Bureau Agriculture Literature projects that tells the accurate story of raising animals and living on a farm today. Since that first book, Michelle has published several other books for both children and adults.
As the Houts look into agriculture’s future, they see the industry becoming more and more influenced by technology and data. They also offer advice to younger farmers: “Buy land when you have the chance. You can always buy a new truck or piece of equipment, but when an opportunity for a piece of land comes up, you may not have that chance to buy it again.”
The Houts enjoy farming because, in their opinion, “It is the most rewarding job. Farming is a fun way to make a living. It’s an awesome lifestyle and a great way to raise a family.”
The Statewide CAUV Update Webinar explained more about the recent changes in CAUV and what could be next for the program. Watch the recording.
Read MoreThe guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
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Scholarships are available to students pursuing degrees in agriculture-related fields or that support the agriculture industry.
Read MoreHundreds of Ohio businesses and sole proprietors are raving about Ohio Farm Bureau’s Health Benefits plan with lower, predictable costs and easy enrollment and administration options.
Read MoreAgriPOWER Class XIV spent a few days in March in Medina and Wayne counties learning more about northern Ohio agriculture from leaders in Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read MoreLeading Ohio Farm Bureau’s 2024 YAP State Committee are Luke and Kayla Durbin of Coshocton County, Tim and Sarah Terrill of Montgomery County and Carly Fitz of Perry County.
Read MoreFarming is a very rewarding occupation, but it can come with hazardous territory if there are not proper training protocols in place.
Read MoreOhio Farm Bureau’s farmer leaders plus members of the media and select Farm Bureau staff are at the nation’s capital March. 12-14, 2024 for the annual County Presidents Trip to Washington, D.C.
Read MoreThe SEC voted on its final climate disclosure rule and removed the Scope 3 reporting requirement, which would have required public companies to report the greenhouse gas emissions of their supply chain.
Read MoreThis position is created for an active Young Ag Professional member who has a passion for fundraising and is interested in further developing their leadership skills. Apply by May 3.
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