Applications for Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans now available
Members have three ways to apply: contacting a certified agent, calling 833-468-4280 or visiting ohiofarmbureauhealthplans.org.
Read More
Two million farms cover America’s rural landscape. Two million may seem like a lot, but the number of farms has declined steadily from a peak 6.8 million farms in 1935. As a result, people are less likely to know where their food comes from, the farmer that produced it, and how it was grown or raised.
Teaching children about agricultural production in Pickaway County opens their eyes to the food and farms that surround them, and reveals potential careers close to home. It deepens their understanding of the environment and conservation, establishes life-long habits of healthy nutrition and builds pride for their community.
In years past, the Pickaway County Farm Bureau and Soil and Water Conservation District have partnered to put on an annual Ag Day event to teach elementary students about agriculture in their community. Partners were unable to hold Ag Day in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“When we were faced with the difficult decision to cancel Ag Day, it was important to the county Farm Bureau and SWCD to find a creative way to build ag literacy and celebrate agriculture in our community,” said Ivory Harlow, organization director of the Pickaway County Farm Bureau.
VirtualAgDays.com was created to showcase agriculture in Pickaway County. The platform contains videos featuring local farms and a variety of ag topics such as bees, hogs, soybeans and more. SWCD Education and Outreach Coordinator Katerina Sharp developed curriculum targeting grades three through five to support and fortify learning.
“While we weren’t able to have Ag Day in person, we still wanted it to be as interactive as possible. By creating interactive activities online, teachers and students were able to access them anywhere. This was the best way to ensure our curriculum reached our students whether they were learning in the classroom, at home or hybrid,” Sharp said.
Fourth grade students in four county school districts and two additional school systems received AgMag publications on each topic. New content is published to virtualagdays.com to keep learning fresh and new!
“The students enjoy seeing local farmers and products, every once in a while they even recognize someone! If we can’t go to the fairgrounds and experience Ag Day, at least we can bring it to our classrooms. Students really love the ag magazines; they enjoy learning about how agriculture affects our community, country and world. I’ve even had students tell me how much their parents enjoy them!” said Andi Koch, a teacher at Walnut Elementary, Teays Valley School District.
Virtual Ag Days was made possible by the Pickaway County Community Foundation and South Central Power. Virtual Ag Days has been nominated for a 2021 collaboration award from the Ohio Association of Agricultural Educators.
Visit virtualagdays.com to learn more.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ofbf.org.
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
Ohio Farm Bureau Young Ag Professionals State Committee applications due May 1
Members ages 18-34 who are interested in developing their leadership skills and enhancing programming for their peers should apply.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau testifies in support of early workforce development bill
Senate Bill 328 is legislation designed to strengthen career-connected learning and better prepare students for Ohio’s workforce needs.
Read More
The Family Forest Carbon Program: Available for Ohio landowners with a signing bonus
With the Family Forest Carbon Program, you can have a successful farm and get paid to grow healthy forests.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau calls on Congress for Farm Bill 2.0
Ohio Farm Bureau recently sent a letter to Congress calling for the swift passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (HR 7567).
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau testifies in support of House Bill 646
House Bill 646 would establish a Data Center Study Commission to examine the impact of rapid data center development across the state.
Read More
Growing our Generation: Networking through Collegiate Farm Bureau
Collegiate Farm Bureau serves as a connection to current industry professionals and equips the next generation with the essential tools and resources needed to excel in their careers.
Read More
2026 priorities discussed at Ohio Farm Bureau’s Ag Day at the Capital
Ohio Farm Bureau members met one-on-one with state legislators and staff to discuss policy priorities impacting Ohio’s farms and rural communities.
Read More
Nationwide News: Unlock hidden farmland value with legacy nutrient deductions
Legacy nutrient deductions enable new farmland owners to claim deductions on the nutrients within the soil on which healthy crops depend.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau sponsors grain rescue equipment for Grain Bin Safety Week
Farmers, agribusinesses and community members are encouraged to nominate their local fire departments for Nationwide’s Nominate Your Fire Department Contest through April 30.
Read More