Ohio Farm Bureau introduces Energy and Utility Issues Resource Guide
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Marking time in agriculture can often be summed up in three specific arcs – planting, harvesting and fair seasons.
The continued Ohio protocols surrounding social distancing and gathering in large groups to combat COVID-19 is having a profound effect on fair season.
Recently Marion County canceled its overall county fair, set to begin June 29. The junior fair board will proceed with livestock shows at some point this summer, but the usual sights and sounds of a county fair, from the midway to the rides and food, likely will be noticeably absent this year.
“We know our county leaders and volunteers have been receiving questions about the status of county fairs, if they will be open and if so, what that will look like,” said Tony Seegers, director of state policy for Ohio Farm Bureau. “We have been in contact with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio State University and the Ohio Fair Managers Association and are monitoring the situation. Ultimately, these decisions will be made by the fair board in charge in each county.”
OFMA testified before the Ohio Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee May 6, outlining suggestions and practices for county fairs if they are able to operate this season with strict social distancing in place.
DeWine’s stand on fairs
The status of the county fairs and the state fair has been on Gov. Mike DeWine’s mind and he specifically mentioned his love of the fairs during one of his news conferences. During the same news conference, DeWine announced that ODA Director Pelanda had waived the required $50,000 local match for the Agricultural Society Facilities Grant Program. This will allow all county and independent fairs to be eligible for $50,000 with no match.
“We understand our members’ incredible dedication and concern for their local fairs, and the opportunities for our youth to participate in their traditional activities,” Seegers said. “We will continue to talk to the administration, OSU and the Ohio Fair Managers Association about the status of our state and county fairs.”
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.
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
We really appreciate what Farm Bureau has done to get people interested in this line of work and workforce development and getting people interested in this industry.
We work terrifically with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, hosting at least one to two outreach town hall events every year to educate new farmers and existing farmers on traditional CAUV and woodlands.
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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