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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Legislation important to members and advocated for by Ohio Farm Bureau was passed during the “lame duck” session of the Ohio Legislature at the end of 2020.
The Ohio House and Senate came together to agree on House Bill 7, which creates the Statewide Watershed Planning and Management Program. The bill allows for the development of more localized watershed plans and provides resources for local soil and water conservation districts to help develop them with area farmers.
“House Bill 7 creates yet another useful tool to assist the agriculture community in its continued commitment to making improvements in water quality,” said Brandon Kern, OFBF senior director of state and national policy.
Another piece of legislation that Farm Bureau has worked on for years is to overhaul county drainage petition regulations through House Bill 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 regarding 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.
On a national level, Farm Bureau applauded inclusion of funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, broadband development and Coronavirus Food Assistance Program supplemental payments in the latest COVID relief bill.
The package also provided more help to livestock producers who did not receive as much assistance in earlier bills, including:
- Payments to livestock and poultry growers for losses suffered due to depopulation because of insufficient processing access due to COVID-19 market impacts
- Payments to livestock and poultry contract growers who had revenue losses due to contract changes because of COVID-19
- $400 million to pay for milk to be processed into dairy products and donated to nonprofit entities
- Make loans and grants to small and mid-sized food processors or distributors.
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
Growing our Generation: Grassroots advocacy
Ohio Farm Bureau provides opportunities, platforms and resources to help you develop your voice in the industry and give farmers a seat at the table with leaders and legislators.
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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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