Ohio Farm Bureau introduces Energy and Utility Issues Resource Guide
Ohio Farm Bureau’s newest resource for members seeks to help farmland owners navigate the many questions surrounding energy development.
Read More
The United States is experiencing an epidemic of drug overdose deaths. For every 100,000 Ohioans, there are 38 deaths due to drug overdose. In Ross County, that number is nearly twice the state average at 61.
The Ross County Farm Bureau teamed up with local chapters of Drug Free Clubs of America’s M.A.D.E. (My Attitude Determines Everything), a nationally recognized drug prevention and education program for youth, to address the issue.
Each year the county Farm Bureau supports Ross County M.A.D.E. students by hosting a M.A.D.E. on the Farm fundraiser event. The inaugural event, held in 2018, raised $10,000. A year later, $12,000 was raised, and the event earned a prestigious award from the American Farm Bureau Federation. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Ross County Farm Bureau was unable to hold M.A.D.E. on the Farm in 2020.
“When we were faced with the difficult decision to cancel our MADE on the Farm dinner this year, it was important to me and the rest of the board of trustees to do something to still contribute to this program,” said Kaitlyn Meeker, Ross County Farm Bureau president. “This year, county Farm Bureau members showed their support by sponsoring M.A.D.E. students and those donations were matched dollar for dollar by our organization.”
Working together, the Ross County Farm Bureau and members raised and donated a record $12,582 in 2021. The donation will allow 188 students to participate in Drug Free Clubs at no cost.
“I’m overjoyed by the response from the community and want to thank everyone in their effort to beat the drug epidemic,” Meeker commented. “From the beginning I have felt we, as the community, need to do whatever we can to help these kids that are voluntarily agreeing to stay drug free, and events like M.A.D.E on the Farm is making that possible.”
Over 1,800 Ross County teens volunteered to participate in M.A.D.E. during the 19-20 school year. 2,164 drugs tests were administered; 99.6% of students passed tests, fulfilling their pledge to stay drug free. Testing students multiple times a year comes at a cost, so the event’s long-term goal is to raise enough money so the program can be free to any student in Ross County wanting to participate.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ofbf.org.
Ivory Harlow
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
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.
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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.
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.
Featured Articles
Bill would secure critical drought relief for Ohio communities
HB 683 would provide meaningful relief by investing $10 million in the counties that were most severely impacted by relentless hot and dry conditions this past summer.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau names new Young Ag Professionals State Committee members
New members are Katherine and Bill Brown of Stark County, Abby and Blake Campbell of Washington County, Josh Ison of Clermont County and Hannah Thompson of Meigs County.
Read More
Bob Evans Farms plants seeds of opportunity with gift to the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation
Bob Evans Farms has been a passionate supporter of Ohio Farm Bureau’s ExploreAg program since it began in 2018.
Read More
Six tips to avoid slippery situations this winter
Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation offers five tips to help prevent slips, trips and falls—one of the top causes of workplace injuries.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture see success on Election Night
Through a grassroots process, county leaders identified 106 seats where a Friend of Agriculture could be named, with 104 of those seats ultimately being won by a Friend of Agriculture candidate.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau names participants for AgriPOWER Class XV
Ohio Farm Bureau’s 2024-2025 AgriPOWER Institute kicked off in October with 14 farmers and agribusiness professionals participating in Class XV.
Read More
Rescue ready: 58 fire crews get life-saving grain rescue tools
Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety campaign has awarded grain rescue tubes and training to 390 fire departments across 32 states since 2014.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau opens 2025 Winter Leadership Experience registration
The event takes place Feb. 7-8, 2025 at Kalahari in Sandusky, Ohio and is open to members of all ages. Registration closes Jan. 21.
Read More
Five 2025 FUSION Conference scholarships available
Receive free conference registration and complimentary transportation to and from the conference March 7-10, 2025 in Denver.
Read More