Eastern Lake Erie

Toledo voters passed the Lake Erie Bill of Rights in 2019, giving Toledoans the legal right to sue anyone accused of violating the lake’s right under LEBOR to “exist, flourish and naturally evolve.” The very next day, a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of LEBOR was filed by Wood County farmer Mark Drewes.

After the Lake Erie Bill of Rights was definitively ruled invalid, with the U.S. District Court Judge noting that the verdict was not a close call, many thought that this would be the last of LEBOR. 

Instead, the city of Toledo pursued an appeal against Drewes, still arguing LEBOR should be valid. But in early May, the city of Toledo voluntarily dismissed its own appeal. This dismissal marked the end of the road for LEBOR, leaving in place Judge Zouhary’s opinion that it is invalid.  

“We were certainly pleased with Judge Zouhary’s opinion, which stated what we knew all along: LEBOR was invalid and unworkable. Like LEBOR itself, further appeal would have only meant unnecessary litigation and legal fees,” said Leah Curtis, policy counsel for Ohio Farm Bureau. “Ohio farmers have plenty of challenges right now, and we are glad to say that LEBOR is no longer one of them.”

Farm Bureau connections
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.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
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.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Farm Bureau involvement
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.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Select Partner Program
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

Select Partner Program
Advocacy
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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