Apply now for 2025 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation scholarships
Through 15 scholarship funds, nearly 50 awards will be made to deserving students. The deadline to apply online is March 31, 2025.
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Mike Bensman of Sidney has been elected to a third, three-year term on the board of trustees of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. He was elected during OFBF’s 101st annual meeting Dec. 4-5 and will represent Farm Bureau members from Auglaize, Logan, Mercer and Shelby counties. As one of Ohio Farm Bureau’s 26 trustees, he will help govern the state’s largest and most inclusive farm and food organization.
Bensman has been a Shelby County Farm Bureau member for more than 41 years, served as county president and membership chair, was a policy development council advisor to the state OFBF board and has attended American Farm Bureau Federation annual meetings.
He has a grain crop farm plus farms in partnership with his three brothers, Dave, Greg and Dale. For 38 years he has worked at Koenig Equipment Inc. in Botkins, presently serving as manager of equipment product support.
Bensman was Soil Conservation Cooperator of the Year in 1990 and is a member of the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association and the Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council. He and his wife, Martha, have three children and five grandchildren.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ofbf.org.
This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231.
Editors: A high-resolution photo of Mr. Bensman is available to accompany this story.
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.
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