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 More
When COVID-19 shuttered offices and forced those who could work from home to fire up their computers or tablets and operate remotely, some folks got creative.
Taylor Pontsler is the new organization director for Champaign, Clark, Darke and Miami County Farm Bureaus. She and her even newer media and marketing associate Lauren Stevens decided to be proactive and use technology and time to their advantage.
“Lauren came up with the idea to do a virtual ‘Ag in the Classroom’ type of thing,” Pontsler said. “It started prior to the first stay-at-home order, and we were planning on doing them in the office. I asked her to come up with two weeks worth of ideas that we could post…and she definitely did not disappoint.”
Stevens earned her associate’s degree in agriscience education at Ohio State ATI in Wooster and went about putting those skills to use. On the county Farm Bureaus’ Facebook pages she has posted about everything from how to make butter and applesauce to how to start a Little Seed House, an activity created by National Ag in the Classroom and inspired by the book The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle.
“I planted corn in mine, Lauren planted tomatoes and hers is growing a little slower,” Pontsler said. “This activity was planned as a result of COVID-19, although we really wanted to start utilizing social media prior to all of this. (The pandemic) just kind of jump started our ideas.”
Pontsler said she is also working in conjunction with one of the local FFA Chapters in Darke County on virtual ag tours that can be followed up by an activity provided by the county Farm Bureau. “We might be stuck at home, but we’re making the best of it,” she said.
Take part in the lessons
Go to ofb.ag/aitc-lessons to get information on starting your own Little Seed House.
See a tutorial at ofb.ag/littleseedhouse.
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 Young Ag Professionals State Committee applications due May 1
Members ages 18-34 who are interested in developing their leadership skills and enhancing programming for their peers should apply.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau testifies in support of early workforce development bill
Senate Bill 328 is legislation designed to strengthen career-connected learning and better prepare students for Ohio’s workforce needs.
Read More
The Family Forest Carbon Program: Available for Ohio landowners with a signing bonus
With the Family Forest Carbon Program, you can have a successful farm and get paid to grow healthy forests.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau calls on Congress for Farm Bill 2.0
Ohio Farm Bureau recently sent a letter to Congress calling for the swift passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (HR 7567).
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau testifies in support of House Bill 646
House Bill 646 would establish a Data Center Study Commission to examine the impact of rapid data center development across the state.
Read More
Growing our Generation: Networking through Collegiate Farm Bureau
Collegiate Farm Bureau serves as a connection to current industry professionals and equips the next generation with the essential tools and resources needed to excel in their careers.
Read More
2026 priorities discussed at Ohio Farm Bureau’s Ag Day at the Capital
Ohio Farm Bureau members met one-on-one with state legislators and staff to discuss policy priorities impacting Ohio’s farms and rural communities.
Read More
Nationwide News: Unlock hidden farmland value with legacy nutrient deductions
Legacy nutrient deductions enable new farmland owners to claim deductions on the nutrients within the soil on which healthy crops depend.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau sponsors grain rescue equipment for Grain Bin Safety Week
Farmers, agribusinesses and community members are encouraged to nominate their local fire departments for Nationwide’s Nominate Your Fire Department Contest through April 30.
Read More