James W. (Bill) Patterson of Chesterland was re-elected first vice president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Dec. 7 during the organization’s 100th annual meeting. This is his third full term in this position, which is the second highest elected office in the state’s largest general farm organization.

Patterson previously was Ohio Farm Bureau’s treasurer and has been part of the organization’s board of trustees since 2011. He also was re-elected to serve as the District 4 trustee representing Farm Bureau members in Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties.  

He is a 26-year member of the Geauga County Farm Bureau, previously serving as president and vice president. He is a member of the Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association and graduate of Ohio’s Leadership Education and Development Program – Class VII. Patterson received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Ohio State University.

Patterson farms with his family, raising apples, strawberries and peaches and also has a farm market and a wholesale cider operation. He has two sons.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen the state’s communities. The organization helps its members engage in policy and communications activities to improve their communities and provides a wide range of member benefits. To learn more, visit ofbf.org.

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This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Joe Cornely, 614-246-8230.

Editors: A high-resolution photo is available to accompany this story.

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
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Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
Farm Bureau connections
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.
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Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
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.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
10-year campaign for safer roads
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
Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Farm Bureau involvement
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.
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Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Select Partner Program
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.
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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
Advocacy
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.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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