AFBF adopts Ohio Farm Bureau policies at 106th Convention
All 13 policies that came from Ohio were passed on the AFBF delegate floor.
Read More
As 2020 presidential candidates jockey for position, interesting issues can arise and become a national topic of conversation seemingly overnight.
So was the case when potential 2020 Democratic nominee Elizabeth Warren spoke in Iowa about foreign companies buying American farmland. Suddenly Ty Higgins, Ohio Farm Bureau’s director of media relations, started receiving phone calls on a topic not related to water, trade or a wet spring for Ohio farmers.
Higgins told National Public Radio in a May interview that “once a foreign entity buys up however many acres they want, Americans might never be able to secure that land again. So, once we lose it, we may lose it for good.”
In Ohio, about half a million acres of farmland are owned by foreign investors — with Germany and the Netherlands leading in most land bought. China is another significant investor.
Higgins noted there is no federal restriction on foreign farmland purchases, so it is up to each individual state to come up with its own regulations. For example, it is restricted in Iowa, where no farmland is owned by foreign investors, whereas Higgins said in Texas it is a “free for all.”
In Ohio, there is voluntary registration by the foreign entity with the state, but nothing prohibiting those overseas from purchasing farmland.
The loss of farmland itself is of particular concern, Higgins said. “Every acre of productive farmland that is converted over to something other than agriculture is an acre of land that no longer produces food,” causing a ripple effect in the state’s economy and a potential hardship on rural communities. Higgins comments with NPR also were later included in a story done by Newsweek.
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
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
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Awards Youth Pathways Grant to Buckeye Local School District
Buckeye Local is pioneering a new standard in rural education innovation, merging physical infrastructure with curricular advancements to deepen students’ interest in agriculture and its extensive career options.
Read More
Campbell wins American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet
Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professional Abby Campbell of Washington County is the winner of the 2025 American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet.
Read More
Corporate Transparency Act is back
On Jan. 24, the Supreme Court issued an order granting a request by the government to allow enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) while litigation continues over the law.
Read More
106th American Farm Bureau Annual Convention coverage
Follow the action as it’s happening in San Antonio on Ohio Farm Bureau social media channels: Facebook, YouTube, X and TikTok, using #AFBF25.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau hosting statewide CAUV update webinar
Join Ohio Farm Bureau for a free webinar Feb. 11 to discuss the recent increases in CAUV values, Registration is required.
Read More
Growing our Generation: Succession planning for the future
Dr. Ron Hanson helps counsel farm families to resolve conflicts while helping the next generation assure their financial future. He is a featured speaker at the 2025 Winter Leadership Experience.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation appoints new leadership
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation recently added four new board members and elected officers of its 14-member board, which oversees the charitable, nonprofit organization.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation awards 2025 Workforce Development & Ag Literacy Grants
Grants support ag-related programming that enhances agricultural literacy efforts while creating pathways for young people to learn about ag careers.
Read More
Warm up your pole barn with FBi Buildings’ Winter Interior Liner Special
Now through Feb. 28, you can receive free insulation when finishing an existing pole barn interior.
Read More