Farmer’s Guide to Trucking Regulations available to Ohio Farm Bureau members
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
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A broadband grant program and modernization of the drainage ditch petition process were on the agenda for the Ohio House this past week.
Broadband Residential Grant Program
The Ohio House has passed HB 13, which creates a $20 million grant program for broadband providers who can apply directly to the state for funds. Preference is given to unserved areas and the bill creates a prioritization structure for awarding funding to projects. Ohio Farm Bureau testified as a proponent of the bill, was actively involved in the legislative process, and designated it as a key vote. The bill now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.
Modernization of drainage ditch petition process
On June 9, the Ohio House passed HB 340, which modernizes the ditch petition processes by which landowners can petition the county for drainage improvement projects.
HB 340 embraces the use of technology such as digital maps, video or photographs via drone footage, etc. to modernize the petition viewing process about the proposed drainage improvement’s location and issues intended to be addressed. Another important highlight is increasing the minimum width of the required sod or seeded strip along the drainage improvement from 4 feet to 10 feet. This will provide for better erosion and sediment control and aligns with Ohio Farm Bureau’s support for efforts that improve soil and water conservation efforts.
Designated as a key vote for Farm Bureau, HB 340 is the culmination of several years of work by the Ohio Drainage Law Revision Task Force comprised of the Ohio County Commissioners’ Association, Ohio Farm Bureau and other stakeholders.
The bill now awaits hearings in the Ohio Senate.
Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
Featured Articles
Farm Bureau welcomes summer ethanol blend waiver
The emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of summer gasoline blends containing 15% ethanol will lengthen the period during which Americans can continue buying E15 from June 1 to Sept. 15.
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Ohio Farm Bureau introduces Small-Scale Food Business Guide
The Small-Scale Food Business Guide covers federal and state regulations for selling food products such as raw meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, cottage foods, fruits and vegetables, honey and more.
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Cashing in the direct-to-consumer food sales boom
New resources and technology are broadening the different types of sales tools and strategies available to farmers.
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DeWine announces statewide open enrollment for H2Ohio Agricultural Incentive Program
ODA will enroll 500,000 acres into the program for a two-week sign-up period, beginning April 22, 2024, through May 6, 2024. Contact local SWCD offices to apply.
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Share named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist
Katie Share of Columbus has been named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
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Klopfenstein named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist
Mary Klopfenstein of Delphos has been named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
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Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan now offered to all sole proprietors
The plan has been updated to give sole proprietors access to more rate stability and a smart solution that offers potential savings on health care.
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Ohioans can compete for ag business startup funds
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 15 for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
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Flynn elected treasurer of Ohio Farm Bureau
Adele Flynn of Wellington has been elected treasurer of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and now holds the third highest elected office in Ohio’s largest and most influential farm organization.
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