The 2018 annual meeting of the Geauga County Farm Bureau was held recently at the Banquet Room at St. Mary’s in Chardon. This year marked the joining with Geauga SWCD for its annual meeting, which resulted in a wonderful night of “honoring Ohio agriculture!”

The evening began with a social reception. This was the opportunity to speak with elected officials and candidates running for public office, a very active part of Farm Bureau, working closely with our legislators.

After “Our Harvest Dinner” and some Farm Bureau elections and voting on policy resolutions to be worked on in 2019,  the Geauga County Farm Bureau and SWCD took time to honor some very special members and guests.

Two family farms were recognized as Ohio Bicentennial Farms: the Clarke/Sudyk farm and the Haskins/Cook farm. Janelle Mead, deputy director with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, presented each family with a certificate from the state of Ohio.

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Five outstanding Farm Bureau members and college students were recipients of the 2018 Leadership Awards: Joshua Loveland, Anna Montazzoli, Meghan O’Reilly, Anna Sevich and Tim Steimle. A major effort of the Geauga County Farm Bureau is to use our financial resources to support the future of agriculture.

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Over the past few years, Ohio Farm Bureau has created a Member of Distinction award, giving each county the opportunity to recognize an outstanding member.  This year, Craig Sirna, was selected in Geauga County.  A Farm Bureau member for over 15 years, Craig is the owner of Sirna’s Farm & Market and Sirna’s Pizzeria along with his wife, Anne, where they make pizza in the “farm to table” style.  A retired police officer of 34 years and first-generation farmer, Craig and his family entered farming in 1997. Craig’s passion has been building the community around him and he devotes his time to many causes. He is everyone’s friend and sacrifices his time to lend others a helping hand.  

SWCD Special Awards included Thomas Kartley, Hay & Grain Best of Show; Dan Best, Big Tree Winner; Poster Contest winners: Michael Yeager, Caroline Yeager, Josselyn Mumm, Zoe Virant, Elizabeth Passow, Leah Bass and Ava Morano; and Teacher of the Year, Amy Hochschild.

Mandy Orahood, our organization director, thanked our Farm Bureau Action Team Leaders: Todd Montazzoli and Kevin Holy – Organization, Jerry Mitchell – Public Policy and Craig Sirna – Membership Coordinator. These dedicated volunteers are the hands of the organization.

We are looking forward to 2019, working together with county organizations, offering great programs and services to our members and our communities!

OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.

The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
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.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
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

Giving farmers a voice
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
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Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
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

Bringing the farm back to life
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.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
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

Select Partner Program
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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