Lake Erie shore

Editor’s Note: Below is an update from Ohio Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Adam Sharp regarding the next development in a Wood County farmer’s lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of the Lake Erie Bill of Rights:

 

For several weeks your Farm Bureau has been making you aware of the possible threat of lawsuits against farmers after Toledo citizens passed an ordinance that would give Lake Erie rights in court. While there’s still a long road ahead, there is some positive news to share with you.

On March 18, U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary issued a preliminary injunction pausing enforcement of the recently passed Lake Erie Bill of Rights (LEBOR). This action stems from a lawsuit filed by a Wood County farmer the day after Toledo voters passed LEBOR in a special election.

Farm Bureau stands with the farmer and his family and we appreciate that this injunction will prevent the law from taking effect while the case is litigated. The court decision brings us one step closer to protecting farmers in the Lake Erie Watershed from costly lawsuits brought on by LEBOR.

Although Ohio Farm Bureau understands that this process will take time, a quick resolution is of the essence. Soon, the 2019 planting season will begin and it is our hope that our farmers in the Lake Erie watershed can get their seeds into the ground without the possibility of LEBOR lawsuits hanging over their heads.

We will be watching all developments in Toledo as it pertains to this case and will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

Sincerely,

Adam J. Sharp

Executive Vice President

 

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.
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Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

New and beginning farmers
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.
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Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
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

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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.
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Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
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

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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

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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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