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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Voter turnout for a midterm election soared to its highest percentage since 1994 as 54 percent of Ohio residents cast ballots in this crucial election. A contentious statewide ballot issue, five statewide offices, two seats on the Ohio Supreme Court bench, a U.S. Senate seat, all 16 Ohio Congressional seats, half of the Ohio Senate and all 99 Ohio House seats gave Ohio voters plenty of material and mailers to review since the May primary.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Agricultural for Good Government Political Action Committee Friend of Agriculture candidates proved to be successful at the polls, with 95 percent of all Friend of Ag candidates winning their bids. After announcing opposition to Issue 1, OFB members also helped handily defeat the ballot initiative.
For the first time since 1974, Ohio elected a U.S. senator and a governor from opposing parties. As voters selected Republican Mike DeWine to serve as governor for the next four years, they checked incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown with another six years in D.C.
Republicans were also successful in the other top of ticket races, with Dave Yost replacing outgoing Attorney General DeWine and Frank LaRose filling the office of secretary of state vacated by soon to be Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. Former Senate President Keith Faber will take over as auditor and Robert Sprague will leave his Ohio House seat to take the reins as treasurer.
On the judicial ballot, Judge Melody Stewart defeated Justice Mary DeGenaro, and Judge Michael Donnelly defeated Judge Craig Baldwin. Both DeGenaro and Baldwin were named the Friend of Agriculture candidates in their respective races.
In the Ohio Statehouse, Republicans held a 62-37 majority in the House as Democrats picked up five seats, but not closing the veto-proof margins. Republicans improved their majority in the Senate, gaining a seat and now controlling 25 of the 33 districts. Friend of Agriculture candidates were successful with 75/79 of the FOA House candidates successfully winning their seat, and all 16/16 senate candidates being successful.
While the final numbers are still to be determined, it is clear the U.S. House will shift to Democratic control, while the U.S. Senate will remain in the hands of Republicans. Ohio’s incumbent congressional representatives were all successful in their re-elections, while the only open seat of the 16 Ohio districts was won by Republican Anthony Gonzalez. Of the 11 congressional candidates named Friends of Agriculture, all were successful.
Ohio Farm Bureau keeps members abreast of election information and legislative issues at the Farm Votes Matter website. Members also received a copy of the organization’s Election Guide with their September/October Buckeye Farm News publication. To get involved with issues at the local level, contact your county Farm Bureau office.
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.
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.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through 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.
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.
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.
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.
Featured Articles
Barn quilt contest celebrates century farms
Eligible farm and ranch families have the opportunity to share their story for a chance to receive a custom handcrafted barn quilt recognizing their century operation. Enter by Jan. 31, 2027.
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The executive order waives state penalties and suspends discretionary enforcement related to the use of dyed diesel on public highways through Dec. 31, 2026.
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Maggie Preston, Lincoln Deitrick and Denver Davis describe their role in agriculture, their Farm Bureau involvement and what it means to win their respective state awards.
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Legal with Leah: Changes to Fuel Taxes and Dyed Diesel Regulation
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