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.
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A recent court ruling will reduce pork line speeds through the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS). According to some industry analysts, if this decision is left unchallenged before June 30, it will result in a 2.5% loss in pork packing plant capacity nationwide, and more than $80 million in reduced income for small U.S. hog farmers. The impact is even higher in Ohio and surrounding states due to reliance on regional meat packing plants that have been utilizing the higher line speeds.
“With over 25% of the nation’s hog slaughter capacity enrolled in the NSIS program, we are concerned over the immediate, adverse impact this would have on hog producers as it would significantly decrease slaughter capacity in these plants,” wrote American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall in a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The hog industry has suffered greatly over the past several years, combating market volatility stemming from African Swine Fever, packing capacity and supply chain issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and trade implications from some of our country’s largest pork importers. Reduced slaughter capacity in plants is yet another challenge producers must endure, threatening their livelihoods and ability to provide the food our nation depends on.”
Farm Bureau is urging the Biden administration to use all means necessary to ensure that producers have the surety that their current capacity and contracts with the companies and plants affected remain intact at their current levels.
At the state level, Ohio Farm Bureau has been engaging directly with stakeholders impacted by this ruling and is working with them to seek out solutions.
“Our farmers cannot withstand another financial hit. Just as we are returning to normalcy, another looming disaster threatens their livelihood and prosperity,” said Cheryl Day, executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council. “The court ruling will affect Ohio’s pork producers and trickle down throughout the entire economy. The state’s hog production generates 11,500 jobs and an estimated $439 million of personal income. All of this could be in jeopardy if this damaging court ruling stands.”
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
USDA announces new support, funding for local meat processors
USDA is providing $60 million in support and funding opportunities for small and mid-sized meat processors across the country. Apply by Aug. 7.
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Ohio Farm Bureau members support maple syrup legislation
Introduced by Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) and Rep. David Thomas (R-Jefferson), the bill would add trees cultivated for maple syrup production to Ohio’s statutory definition of agriculture.
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Ohio Farm Bureau launches partnership with Gripp
Ohio Farm Bureau members receive exclusive access and discounted rates to digital tools specifically designed to maximize day-to-day productivity, simplify equipment maintenance and enhance asset protection.
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Ohio Farm Bureau shares members’ concerns with Joint Data Center Committee
Ohio Farm Bureau shared members’ concerns about the rapid growth of data centers across the state and the long-term impacts on agriculture and rural communities.
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Be a part of the America 250-Ohio Agritourism Trail
The online application period is open now, until June 30, for those who would like to apply to be featured on the America 250-Ohio Agritourism Trail.
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Ohio Farm Bureau supports expanded access to E15 on Ohio Turnpike
Ohio Farm Bureau testified in support of House Bill 773, legislation that would allow Ohio Turnpike travel plazas to offer E15.
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Applications open for AgriPOWER Class XVII
Ohio Farm Bureau is accepting applications for AgriPOWER Class XVII, its leadership and advocacy development program. Application deadline is Aug. 1, 2026.
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Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation awards $147,500 in scholarships
Annually, the foundation recognizes Ohio students for their academic effort, community engagement and career interests that link agriculture to community service, education or scientific research.
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Ohio Farm Bureau appreciates pause for data center tax exemption
Gov. Mike DeWine’s recent decision to pause consideration of any new data center tax exemption requests, through the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, comes as the Ohio General Assembly’s Joint Data Center Study Committee looks at the growth of data centers in Ohio.
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