Farmer’s Guide to Trucking Regulations available to Ohio Farm Bureau members
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
Read More
Monday, Jan 14
This morning’s closing General Session featured the announcement of the Young Farmer and Rancher competition results, the Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge Awards, remarks from Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and keynote speaker President Donald Trump addressed the group.
Jess and Adam Campbell did not advance in the Excellence in Agriculture contest.
The counties that won the County Activities of Excellence presented at the IDEAg Trade Show.
Sunday, Jan. 13
The opening General Session of the 2019 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention began with the annual parade of state flags. Notable presenters included Louisiana governor, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Mike Strain, commissioner of Louisiana’s department of agriculture and forestry. AFBF President Zippy Duvall delivered his annual address, focusing on the history of AFBF and how it has been a united voice over the last 100 years. He noted the struggles and triumphs of 2018 and looked ahead at 2019, leaving the audience with the question, “How will you answer the call as we break through to the next century of American Farm Bureau?”
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture presented its 12th “Book of the Year” award to Lisl Detlefsen for “Right This Very Minute.”
Ohio Farm Bureau recognized with awards
Ohio Farm Bureau received all four Awards of Excellence, which are given to state Farm Bureaus that demonstrate outstanding achievements in four program areas: Advocacy; Engagement and Outreach; Leadership and Business Development; and Membership Value. Also at the American Farm Bureau Foundation breakfast, state Farm Bureaus were recognized for exemplary financial support of the foundation. Ohio received the Scholar Award, which is given to the six state Farm Bureaus with the highest total donations to the foundation within their membership groups. Additionally, Ohio Farm Bureau qualified for one of 25 Apex Awards, which are given to state Farm Bureaus that have increased total contributions to the foundation by 10 percent or more over the previous year.
Young Ag Professionals contests continue
Annie Specht (second, right) competed in the Discussion Meet Sweet 16 round, where the contestants discussed the question: Technology is one of the driving forces for innovation and advancement in agriculture. How can the industry attract the best and brightest minds from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) into agricultural careers?
The crew from Ohio gathered to congratulate @anniespecht after an outstanding Discussion Meet round. #AFBF19 #ofbf pic.twitter.com/1ElGUdJBgz
— Ohio Farm Bureau (@OhioFarmBureau) January 13, 2019
Jess and Adam Campbell of Warren County are Top 10 finalists in the Excellence in Agriculture competition. Final results will be announced Monday during the General Session.
Annie Specht of Tuscarawas County did not advance to the Final Four in the Discussion Meet. Congratulations to all Young Agricultural Professionals contestants.
Saturday, Jan. 12
Annie Specht competed in the first two rounds of the Discussion Meet. During the Discussion Meet, the participants share their thoughts and ideas on specific topics. The two questions today were:
In our modern world, the rapid dissemination of information and opinion about agriculture and food technologies can make it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Given these challenges, how can Farm Bureau best protect farmers’ and ranchers’ access to production technology options?
As the voice of agriculture, how can Farm Bureau be more inclusive of all agriculture and production practices? This includes, but is not limited to, women in agriculture, organic production, fresh produce, forestry and aquaculture.
Congratulations to Annie as she advances to the Sweet 16 round, which takes place Sunday.
Jess and Adam Campbell are in New Orleans for the Excellence in Agriculture competition. Jess presented on Saturday, sharing their story of how Carroll Creek Farms began. The presentation included the couple’s vision for the future, and how they are personally addressing issues that impact Ohio agriculture, such as ag unity, consumer perceptions and the mental health crisis in rural communities. The top 10 finalists will be announced on Sunday.
The IDEAg Trade Show opened this afternoon and the day ended with a reception for members hosted by Nationwide.
Friday, Jan. 11
Many Ohio Farm Bureau members and staff are in New Orleans to celebrate this past year’s achievements and represent Ohio as Farm Bureau policy priorities are set for the coming year.
Check in on this page for LIVE updates from the Big Easy at the American Farm Bureau’s 100th Annual Convention Jan. 11-16.
Eight Ohio county Farm Bureau projects were chosen to participate in the County Activities of Excellence program, and young agricultural professionals Jess Campbell and Annie Specht will be competing in the national Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet contests, respectively.
Speakers include Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. President Donald Trump is also scheduled to speak.
You can also follow the action as it’s happening on OFBF’s social media through Facebook and by following the #AFBF19 hashtag on Twitter.
Our partner, Nationwide, is a sponsor of this event.
Online Extra
Coverage recap from Ohio’s Country Journal Jan. 21, 2019
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
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.
Featured Articles
Farm Bureau welcomes summer ethanol blend waiver
The emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of summer gasoline blends containing 15% ethanol will lengthen the period during which Americans can continue buying E15 from June 1 to Sept. 15.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau introduces Small-Scale Food Business Guide
The Small-Scale Food Business Guide covers federal and state regulations for selling food products such as raw meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, cottage foods, fruits and vegetables, honey and more.
Read More
Cashing in the direct-to-consumer food sales boom
New resources and technology are broadening the different types of sales tools and strategies available to farmers.
Read More
DeWine announces statewide open enrollment for H2Ohio Agricultural Incentive Program
ODA will enroll 500,000 acres into the program for a two-week sign-up period, beginning April 22, 2024, through May 6, 2024. Contact local SWCD offices to apply.
Read More
Share named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist
Katie Share of Columbus has been named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read More
Klopfenstein named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist
Mary Klopfenstein of Delphos has been named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan now offered to all sole proprietors
The plan has been updated to give sole proprietors access to more rate stability and a smart solution that offers potential savings on health care.
Read More
Ohioans can compete for ag business startup funds
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 15 for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
Read More
Flynn elected treasurer of Ohio Farm Bureau
Adele Flynn of Wellington has been elected treasurer of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and now holds the third highest elected office in Ohio’s largest and most influential farm organization.
Read More