US Capitol

The week of Sept. 13, Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson wrote a letter to Ohio’s congressional delegation, reiterating Farm Bureau’s significant concern for certain tax proposals being considered that would hurt family farms. The letter also emphasized that revenue for this new massive spending package should not be raised on the backs of Ohio’s small businesses and farms.

“We remain adamantly opposed to repealing the step-up in basis and to imposing new capital gains taxes on family farms at inheritance. Any reduction of the current estate tax exemption also presents a tremendous threat to agriculture here in Ohio,” Patterson said.

“Each of these proposals, if implemented, could set back Ohio agriculture for generations to come.”

Patterson’s letter also stressed that eliminating key business tax provisions can have very detrimental impacts on Ohio farms. For example, eliminating the Section 199A business income deduction will hurt businesses organized as pass-through entities. A majority of farms in Ohio are organized this way. Similarly, maintaining like-kind exchanges helps farms enhance efficiencies, maintain cash flows and allows for reinvestment in farm operations.

“As the economic backbone of nearly every county and rural community across Ohio, the importance of agriculture and related industries cannot be overstated. As you consider these tax policies please keep in mind farmers and family-owned agricultural businesses are responsible for producing the safe, affordable and abundant food, fiber and fuel supplies we need every day.”

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.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
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.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
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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