Inspiring youth in a way that also gives them the tools to influence their peers is one of the driving forces behind Ohio Farm Bureau’s Hope for Ohio initiative.

Hope for Ohio is a Farm Bureau project in partnership with supporting organizations working together with 4-H and FFA members to encourage peer-to-peer prevention measures to help fight the opioid epidemic.

Hope for Ohio events took place in three different areas of the state in November: FFA Camp Muskingham in Carroll County, Spencerville High School in Allen County and Batavia Community Center in Clermont County. The programs were for youth, parents, advisers and others interested in helping young people combat the crisis. More than 100 people participated in the initiative.

Various speakers both affected by the drug crisis as well as those working with youth in the field, such as Prevention Action Alliance, shared stories and information to provide youth with tools they need to be prevention leaders in their communities.

The toll of the opioid epidemic has contributed to the first decline in U.S. life expectancy since 1993. The U.S drug overdose mortality rate is 17.7 deaths per 100,000 ages 15-64, according to statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s USDA Rural Development. In Ohio that number is much higher – 39.5 per 100,000.

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.
Kevin Holy's avatar
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.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
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.
Matt Aultman's avatar
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.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
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.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
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.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
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.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
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.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
Suggested Tags: