Community, coverage helps heal farm family after tornado
The Millers lost their house and barn to a tornado. The community and Nationwide have helped them begin to bounce back.
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Changing leaves signal that deer hunting season is upon us. In the September/October issue of Our Ohio magazine, we take a deep dive into hunting lease options available to both hunters and landowners from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.
Also in this issue we check in with the Ohio Restaurant Association on how our industry partners have survived not only coming out of the pandemic, but also ongoing supply chain woes and labor shortages across the state and nation. We also talk with Dan Young of Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs about his thoughts on the future of the industry.
Strong rural centers are the backbone of farm communities, and watching many decline over the years is alarming. The comeback story of Bellefontaine, through the ongoing efforts of real estate developer Small Nation, which is owned and operated by those who grew up in or near the county, is an inspiring blueprint for villages and cities across the state. Their holistic work with local entrepreneurs is lifting Logan County in more ways than one.
In September/October we also meet the 2022 ag teacher of the year Barrett Zimmerman, who was awarded the Golden Owl Award, sponsored by Nationwide, at the state FFA conference earlier this year. In this issue we also learn the story of the Morgan family in Champaign County, whose use of Nationwide’s Land As Your Legacy program gave them peace of mind when they needed it the most.
With early voting beginning Oct. 1, Executive Vice President Adam Sharp’s Across the Table column talks about the importance of voting for and retaining “consistent” justices on the Ohio Supreme Court. We also have a story on testimony Sharp and others gave at a joint hearing of the Ohio House and Ohio Senate ag committees on the importance of the Ohio State Fair and Ohio Expo Center to ag youth in the state.
Other items of interest in this issue include a Farm Science Review preview in the latest OSU Impact from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, as well as reader favorites — autumn recipes and Grow and Know events.
These are just some of what members will find in the latest issue of Our Ohio magazine, a benefit of Farm Bureau membership and Our Ohio supporters. A digital edition is also available.
Photo by Dave Liggett
Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
Featured Articles
Higher energy costs have Ohioans seeking better rates
Farm Bureau members can share a current electric or natural gas bill with Energy Program partner Community Energy Advisors for a free analysis.
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Stimmell honored as Ag Educator of the Year
Jeffrey Stimmell’s motto: Ag classes can not only be relevant but fun.
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Shine in the Show Ring a bright spot of county fair
Shine in the Show Ring was an opportunity for children and adults alike with special needs to team up with 4-H mentors to show the species of their choice during a special live show with professional judges.
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Part of the water quality solution in Mercer County
Gary Mescher and other farmers have not only learned, but implemented Nutrient Management Plan practices that now serve as models for how to manage agricultural runoff in the Western Lake Erie Basin.
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Across the Table: Providing important landowner resources a critical membership benefit
The newly updated Landowner Toolkit was built to give our members the knowledge and tools necessary to manage their land responsibly and productively.
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Health Benefits Plan: Finding value where you least expect it
The OFB Health Benefits Plan offers potential savings for Ohio farmers and small businesses with 1-50 employees.
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At-risk youth gain exposure to ag opportunities
The Youth Pathways Grant for Careers in Agriculture is accepting applications through Oct. 31, 2023.
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New rules for land lease termination
Under HB 397, notice must be given by Sept. 1 to terminate a farm lease, and the lease will terminate at the conclusion of harvest or Dec. 31, whichever comes first.
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Across the Table: Farm labor resources
Ohio Farm Bureau is offering a new resource to our members, the “A Guide to Finding, Hiring and Retaining Farm Employees.”
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