Blanchard River Demonstration Farms

During the first week of the new year, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 7, creating the Statewide Watershed Planning and Management Program.

“The creation of this program is another important step in the work being done to improve water quality in our state as it allows for the development of more localized watershed plans,” said Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau, during the signing ceremony of the bill. “It’s important because it provides resources for local Soil and Water Conservation Districts to help develop those plans in cooperation with area farmers and the various groups involved in water quality improvements.”

Other aspects of House Bill 7 include the Ohio Department of Agriculture director categorizing watersheds and appointing at least one watershed planning and management coordinator in each region. Those coordinators perform certain duties in the watershed, including assisting each Soil and Water Conservation District to identify sources and areas of water quality impairment.

The bill also revises requirements for CAUV eligibility of land used for biofuel production and reduces from 50% to 20% of the amount of bio-digesters that must come from the farm.

“House Bill 7 creates yet another useful tool to assist the agriculture community in its continued commitment to making improvements in water quality,” Sharp said. “That is a commitment the agriculture community looks forward to working on with the governor more in the future.”

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Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
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.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
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Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
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.
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Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
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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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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