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In mid-September, more than 100 Ohio Farm Bureau members, including Adams County Farm Bureau former president-elect Kristy Watters and board trustee Dalton Black, traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit face-to-face with lawmakers about issues that could have major implications to Farm Bureau members across Ohio. Kristy and Dalton joined a multitude of  Ohio Farm Bureau representatives at the nation’s capital Sept. 13-15.

Over the three days, participants heard from experts and in turn voiced their thoughts on topics including the 2023 Farm Bill, environmental regulations, energy and economic policies. This is an opportunity for members to help legislators make the connection between what is happening on Ohio farms and what is being debated in the halls of Congress and within federal agencies.

“To have over 100 Ohio Farm Bureau members, all diverse in their roles in Ohio agriculture, come together to meet with legislators in Washington D.C. is what our organization is all about,” said Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson. “We had a lot to discuss as we visited the Hill, and we always appreciate the opportunity to make our voices heard on behalf of all of our members across Ohio.”  Guest speakers included Sen. Sherrod Brown, Sen. Rob Portman, Rep. Troy Balderson and Rep. Bob Gibbs.

Black said, “We spoke with congressional leaders on the policies that have been impacting Ohio producers and consumers such as issues with energy, trade, transportation and technology. A huge thank you to our Adams County Farm Bureau and the Ohio Farm Bureau for allowing myself and Kristy Watters to attend this event, but an even bigger thank you to our membership all across Ohio. You allow us to push for policy that has a positive impact on not only the farmer but the consumers as well and we as an organization will continue to do so on your behalf.”

Click here for a detailed summary of each day’s events!