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In mid-September, more than 100 Ohio Farm Bureau members, including Clinton County Farm Bureau President, Christine Shanholtz, traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit face-to-face with lawmakers about issues that could have major implications for Farm Bureau members across Ohio.

This year’s trip to the nation’s capital included county Farm Bureau presidents and vice presidents along with Ohio Farm Bureau Young Ag Professionals and members of the AgriPOWER Class XIII leadership institute

“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.”

Topics covered during Shanholtz’s visit with Congressman Mike Carey on Capitol Hill included the 2023 Farm Bill, operational costs associated with inflation and supply chain breakdowns, climate change, and impacts of EPA limiting agriculture technology approvals.

“I was so pleased to represent Clinton County; it was good to be heard by our politicians and to see they are working for the farmer,” Shanholtz said. “They understand the current supply chain issues and the need for a strong farm bill for 2023. The opportunity to meet other Farm Bureau members and learn about their programming was helpful and informative. Our Young Ag and AgriPOWER members are eager to learn and knowledgeable about current concerns”.

Ohio Farm Bureau leaders also heard from both of Ohio’s U.S. Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown, as well as many members of Congress during a Farm Forum, hosted by Congressman Bob Gibbs (OH-07) and Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12).

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.