Earlier this week, Ohio Farm Bureau hosted this year’s annual Midwest Legislative Conference in Sandusky. The event welcomes those involved in public policy from 12 state Farm Bureaus across the region.

“This conference gives us a chance to get together and compare notes to get a feel for all of the issues all of our states are facing and how we can collaborate and coordinate on policy development to address those challenges,” said Brandon Kern, senior director of state and national policy with Ohio Farm Bureau. “We had a great opportunity as hosts to show our perspective on the water quality issue, which all Midwestern states are facing in some way.”

Participants spent some of their visit on research vessels on the waters of South Bass Island and Put-In-Bay in Lake Erie, where they were able to see how water quality was measured and learn about the important work happening at Ohio State University’s Stone Lab and the vast amount of resources it takes to run that facility.

“I think a lot of our guests were really impressed with the partnerships we have built around water quality here in Ohio with university researchers and other important organizations,” Kern said. “Ohio has created a blueprint for success with the creation of the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative, bringing together groups from agriculture, conservation, environmental and academia to work towards the common goal of clean water. Those efforts are working here and can be very beneficial in other parts of the country as well and that is what this conference is all about.”

Farm Bureau connections
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.
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Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
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
10-year campaign for safer roads
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
Bringing the farm back to life
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
Farm Bureau involvement
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
Select Partner Program
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
Advocacy
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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