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
Racking up almost 14,000 miles on the road and visiting with over 800 members across the state since 2016 has helped Ohio Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Adam Sharp develop a solid understanding of the direction members want the organization to head toward.
Talking to members was one of Sharp’s first steps in starting a strategic planning process that culminated in a plan in 2018. The plan’s implementation continues in 2019 as Sharp recently announced actions that realigns staff teams and departments around key strategic plan areas.
An important piece of the plan identified a need for organizational focus on strategic partnerships. As a result, a new strategic partnerships department is being established that will include a new cabinet level vice president and a team devoted to working with key industry allies, including long-standing partners like Nationwide, to further organizational financial and program goals.
“Our newly created strategic partnership team will be beneficial as we build on relationships within the food and agricultural community,” Sharp said. “We will continue to put a large focus on building strong partnerships with agricultural groups and other agribusiness partners, as well as groups who support the mission of Farm Bureau.”
In addition, a membership department was created to lead the organization’s goal of growing membership in both numbers and engagement. Paul Lyons was promoted to Vice President of Membership, and will be part of OFBF’s cabinet leadership team.
The strategic plan process began shortly after Sharp was named OFBF’s new executive vice president in 2016. The OFBF board and members gave feedback in a series of surveys, focus groups and at Sharp’s county CORE tour meetings across the state. Beyond strategic partnership, the areas of focus for the plan include advocacy, membership, communication, financial strength and organizational excellence.
Several new job opportunities are available as Ohio Farm Bureau restructures the organization to meet the goals of the strategic plan:
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
Director of Strategic Partnerships & Nationwide Services
Director of Development, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation
Program Specialist, Leadership Development
Executive Assistant Strategic Partnerships
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