Welcome to Hancock County Farm Bureau’s member spotlight blog! Every month, Hancock 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 Hancock County Farm Bureau’s board trustee, Bruce Ritter, who is originally from Hancock County. Bruce graduated from Cory Rawson High School and has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Findlay. He and his wife, Ronda, have one son Eric and two daughters Courtney and Megan. He is a Cory Rawson FFA alumni and a part of the accounting mentoring program and accounting advisory board at the University of Findlay.

Meet Bruce Ritter

What and where do you farm (or work for an agribusiness)?

I farm corn, soybeans and wheat in Hancock/Putnam county. 

How long have you been a farmer?

I have been farming for 36 years.

Why did you decide to be a farmer?

Because I enjoy it. 

What do you love about farming?

I love being outdoors. 

Why do you think it is important to know where your food comes from? 

Too many people complain about farmers, not realizing they produce everything they eat.

What is the biggest challenge facing agriculture?

The world economy and politics. 

Why are you active (the biggest benefit) in Farm Bureau?

Because the awareness of issues they have.

 

Life Outside of Farm Bureau

What are your hobbies besides farming?

Hanging out with my children and golf. 

Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
Mandy Way's avatar
Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
Ernie Welch's avatar
Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
Jaclyn De Candio's avatar
Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
Jenna Gregorich's avatar
Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
Jared Hughes's avatar
Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
Austin Heil's avatar
Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
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

Advocacy
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