The 2021 American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention took place Jan. 10-13, 2021, giving all Farm Bureau members and anyone interested in agriculture the opportunity to experience one of agriculture’s premier events from the comfort and safety of home.
The convention kicked off with an opening address by AFBF President Zippy Duvall from his farm in Georgia.
“When we started planning this year’s convention in February, we chose the theme: Stronger Together,” Duvall said. “Little did we know how appropriate it would be. The past year has shown us just how true that theme is.
“Clearly, 2020 was a year of challenges,” Duvall continued. “Farmers and ranchers faced high expectations to keep America – and much of the world – fed during a global pandemic.”
Other highlights of this year’s event included a fireside chat with President Duvall and Mike Rowe, best known for his hit TV series Dirty Jobs and most recently his show Returning the Favor. Rowe discussed his efforts to debunk myths and misperceptions about blue-collar jobs and how his foundation is helping to close the skills gap.
Land O’ Lakes President and CEO Beth Ford joined Duvall to discuss hot topics and issues facing agriculture today, including challenges in America’s food supply system, climate-smart practices and rural broadband.
To conclude the meeting, delegates established 2021 policies.
Ohio Farm Bureau was well represented in a number of ways at this year’s convention. Nathan and Lynn Steiner from Wayne County competed for the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award, Micah Mensing of Holmes County advanced to the Sweet 16 in YF&R Discussion Meet and Drs. Josh and Sarah Ison made the Top 10 in the 2021 Excellence in Ag competition.
Five Ohio county Farm Bureaus, Delaware, Henry, Pickaway, Scioto and Tuscarawas, were awarded AFBF County Activities of Excellence (CAE) awards, celebrating their unique, local, volunteer-driven programs. Ohio had more CAE winners than any other state.
Ohio Farm Bureau was recognized with two awards from American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. The Apex Award is given to state Farm Bureaus that have increased total contributions to the foundation by 10% or more over the previous year. State Farm Bureaus are recognized with a Leader Award when each of their board members donates at least $50 to the foundation.
Sessions from the 2021 AFBF Virtual Convention are now available as on-demand content to all registered attendees. The full list of sessions is available online.
American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture announced its Book of the Year.
The House and Senate have voted to pass a bill that avoids a looming government shutdown. The bill, which includes short-term spending, disaster aid and a farm bill extension.
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The disaster relief funding disbursement will be overseen by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and administered through local soil & water districts.
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The winners of the 2024 Ohio Farm Bureau Advocacy in Action Award are Roger Baker of Wayne County and Neall Weber (posthumously) of Franklin County.
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The requirement for businesses that are registered with their state to file information about beneficial owners with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has been paused.
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Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives recommend safe energy conservation during extreme cold snaps to help alleviate demand.
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Delegates discussed many important topics including carbon sequestration and mental health at the Ohio Farm Bureau’s 106th Annual Meeting.
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Bill Patterson, Cy Prettyman and Adele Flynn will continue to serve as officers for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
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10 Ohio Farm Bureau members were elected to the federation’s state board during the 106th annual meeting.
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The grants help inspire, encourage and nurture young agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs to find creative and transformative ways to address challenges facing the agricultural sector today.
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The 2024 Distinguished Service Award recipients are Dr. John Mossbarger of Fayette County, Sen. Rob Portman of Warren County and Jane Scott of Franklin County.
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