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Richland County Farm Bureau met twice this fall to prepare the organization for the upcoming year and a strong future. At the annual meeting, trustee and delegate elections were held and members voted on public policies and code changes. At the board reorganization meeting, officers were elected and program planning began. Look for exciting local projects and activity to connect food and farming and strengthen our community as well as statewide initiatives to assist farmers with water quality issues and other landowner issues.

The Annual Meeting was held Sept. 12 at the Der Dutchman in Bellville. Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau, was the keynote speaker and discussed the opportunities and challenges he sees for agriculture, here in Ohio and globally. Kelly Staley was elected to a three-year term on the board. Brian Alt and Loren Hulit were elected as 2023 OFBF annual meeting delegates. Fred Cooke will serve as an alternate. The code change resolution and policy suggestions for 2023 were approved.

Your 2022-2023 Farm Bureau rrustees are Tim Johnson, President; Loren Hulit, Vice-President; Fred Cooke, Secretary; Ben Olewiler, Treasurer; Brian Alt; Linda Fackler; Dale Hulit and Kelly Staley. 

In Richland County, Farm Bureau looks for ways to impact and improve the community. We strive to keep strong relationships with elected officials so that rural interests are not neglected when rules are being made. We want consumers to have reliable source of information as well as access to wholesome foods. 

Above all, the county Farm Bureau board of trustees is the very heart and strength of the organization. Locally there are 12 trustee seats on the board. Active Members or Young Active Members, or their spouses, whose dues are paid, are eligible for the office of trustee. All trustees must live, work, or have an active agricultural interest in the county. 

There are four open seats on the Richland County Farm Bureau board. Trustees are asked to attend board meetings, serve on committees with other volunteers and help direct the work of the county Farm Bureau.

If you’d like more information about Farm Bureau, or better still you’d like to serve as a trustee or help with some of our projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact one of the county trustees, or contact the county office at (419) 747-7488 or [email protected].

Follow us on Facebook or visit our webpage for details of programs throughout the year.