Applications for Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans now available
Members have three ways to apply: contacting a certified agent, calling 833-468-4280 or visiting ohiofarmbureauhealthplans.org.
Read MoreThe Ohio Department of Agriculture has announced the second sign-up period for programs in the Western Lake Erie Basin funded by the passage of Ohio Senate Bill 299. Signed in 2018, Ohio Senate Bill 299 provided $23.5 million for soil and water conservation districts (SWCD) located in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) for nutrient management programs.
Two programs have been a success so far this year, the Ohio Working Lands Hay Buffer Program and the Ohio Working Lands Small Grains Program. ODA Director Dorothy Pelanda announced that there are funds remaining for a second round of program sign-ups.
The Ohio Working Lands Hay Buffer Program encourages producers in the WLEB to establish year-round vegetative cover on eligible cropland. The program promotes the conversion, establishment, and maintenance of forage/hay land on certain cropland acres. These buffers act as another line of defense to filter surface water while allowing participants to harvest forage from the established areas. During the first sign-up period, 4,075 acres were enrolled in the program.
The Ohio Working Lands Small Grains Program encourages producers in the WLEB to plant small grains such as wheat, barley, oats or cereal rye on eligible cropland. Participants must plant and harvest small grains, land apply manure, and plant a cover crop to receive a cost-share payment to help offset operating costs. The program supports the planting of small grains and cover crops for the conservation benefits and provides livestock producers with a longer season to land apply manure and nutrients. During the first sign-up period, 39,226 acres were in enrolled in the program.
Sign-ups for the Ohio Working Lands Hay Buffer and Small Grains Program begin June 17.
Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts will manage the program sign-up and verification of eligibility and crop establishment. Producers located in the WLEB and interested in these programs should contact their local SWCD to learn how to sign up.
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.
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.
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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.
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.
Featured Articles
Applications open for AgriPOWER Class XVII
Ohio Farm Bureau is accepting applications for AgriPOWER Class XVII, its leadership and advocacy development program. Application deadline is Aug. 1, 2026.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation awards $147,500 in scholarships
Annually, the foundation recognizes Ohio students for their academic effort, community engagement and career interests that link agriculture to community service, education or scientific research.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau appreciates pause for data center tax exemption
Gov. Mike DeWine’s recent decision to pause consideration of any new data center tax exemption requests, through the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, comes as the Ohio General Assembly’s Joint Data Center Study Committee looks at the growth of data centers in Ohio.
Read More
Price checkers wanted
Farm Bureau members are invited to participate June 1-7 in American Farm Bureau’s Summer Cookout Survey of retail food prices commonly used to prepare a cookout meal for 10 people.
Read More
State’s electric co-ops are ready for data centers
Ohio’s electric distribution cooperatives will continue to support local economic growth, and that includes data centers that locate within their territories, but they’re committed to ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of current members.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation announces 2026 golf invitational details and honorees
Industry professionals, community members, and golf enthusiasts are invited to take part in the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Invitational June 22 at Pinnacle Golf Club in Grove City.
Read More
Growing our Generation: Diversifying farm income
Growing our Generation e-newsletter features insights and ideas directly from Ohio’s young farmers and agricultural professionals. Sign up to get…
Read More
The spirit of innovation
Farm Bureau is accepting applications for the Growing Tomorrow Grant and the Ag Innovation Challenge, providing funding for next-generation entrepreneurs to develop solutions for modern agricultural challenges.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau encouraged by results of OACI’s Auglaize River Watershed Assessment Report
The report provides insight into measurable progress in conservation practices and Ohio farmers’ continued commitment to water quality.
Read More