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The summer council packet has two new discussion guides; one related to policy development and the other focused on Farm Bureau programming. These topics should give community councils a few options for their meetings into the fall.

Special Council Member Survey: Community Council members have great  insight and experience on a variety of programs and issues impacting all Farm Bureau members. To better evaluate this resource and to help councils potentially enhance their involvement in Farm Bureau programs, all council members are invited to participate in a special electronic survey.

COVID-19 Update: Just as work on the farm and food production has continued, Farm Bureau has been hard at work throughout this crisis. While many of our members receive updates through the Buckeye Farm eNews, some still rely on traditional hard copy publications for news and information. A special letter was sent to all active members to report on some of the most important actions Farm Bureau has taken recently. Here is an overview.

Ohio Farm Bureau values input from community councils, which contribute to the grassroots policy making process for the organization.

Topic: Getting Involved in Policy Development

Farm Bureau is directed by its members. They define action programs, legislative priorities and regulatory positions on issues affecting farmers and rural communities through the organization’s policy development process. Group discussion and input are the basic features of this grassroots approach that leads to the creation of policy positions that guide the Farm Bureau at local, state and national levels.

Farm Bureau has several opportunities where members can pursue their interests and discuss current issues impacting agriculture, food production and their community. This guide explores how community stakeholders get involved in policy discussion, as well as highlights the Community Council’s role in this process. We hope your group can provide valuable input to you county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee, too.

Additional information and materials on this subject:

Following the Policy Development Process

OFBF 2020 Policy Book

Topic: Community Councils and Farm Bureau Programs

Farm Bureau provides leadership development opportunities for its members and volunteer leaders at all levels of the organization. This includes support for FFA and 4-H, as well as the organization’s Young Ag Professionals and AgriPOWER programs.

With over eight decades of experience, Farm Bureau’s Community Councils employ group discussion to gain valuable input and perspectives on community based issues that impact Farm Bureau members. Council participants have a working knowledge of their county and state Farm Bureau policies and can help create plans and involve others in sharing the issues, challenges and solutions for community improvement.

Community Councils are being asked to maintain vital electronic communication links to their county Farm Bureau, as well as use social media to continue discussions started at their meetings with other councils, interested members and organization leaders at the county level and beyond. How can council members enhance their involvement in the organization’s leadership development process?

Additional information/materials on this subject:

Special Council Member Survey

What are Community Councils?

Community Councils archives, essential forms

Forms for the county Farm Bureau:

•    Council Roster 
•    Meeting Summary
•    Activity Sheet

Remember, participants are not limited to these discussion topics and materials – Feel free to discuss additional topics and issues generated from the local newspaper, other publications and/or key events happening in your neighborhood.

Keep in touch with Farm Bureau

Need some additional help? Contact your county Farm Bureau office for assistance.

Councils can access the council roster, meeting summary sheet and activity sheet forms online.

Remember to send council meeting forms and correspondence directly to the county Farm Bureau.

Many of Farm Bureau’s action plans started with conversation around a kitchen table, living room or front porch; lively discussion continues to develop using web applications, too.

To join a community council, contact the county Farm Bureau office.