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Editor’s note: To help support the work counties in the northwest region are doing to grow membership, trustees from the state Farm Bureau board have launched a Farm Bureau Membership Monday email. Each issue shows appreciation to volunteers, helps members get to know their trustees and provides tips or encouragement to keep working toward county goals.

I’m Chris Weaver, dairy farmer and District 1 Trustee representing Defiance, Fulton, Henry and Williams counties. I have been a trustee for 10 years, a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau for over 25 years, and I am honored to serve you as the treasurer of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

The Ohio Farm Bureau advocates every year for my farm and my business.  I know that OFBF continues to fight to keep my CAUV taxes lower, minimize regulations and defend agriculture.

When my family made the commitment to build a dairy in NW Ohio, we were putting all of our chips on the table. The Ohio EPA threatened to stop us, and I vividly remember a meeting with the Ohio EPA and Ohio Farm Bureau. That meeting paved the way to removing environmental control for agriculture from the EPA, and allowing ODA to put a common sense approach to farms and the environment. Without Ohio Farm Bureau’s involvement and engagement in environmental issues, I believe Ohio agriculture would be under the direct eye of the Ohio EPA.

When I interact with a business that serves farmers, I encourage the salesperson and the business owner to join the Ohio Farm Bureau. I admit I have been disappointed by some who have not joined despite my passion, but I will keep pressing on. I know Ohio agriculture needs the Ohio Farm Bureau.

We need you to keep advocating for others to become members of the Ohio Farm Bureau, so we can continue to work together for Ohio farmers to build a strong food and farm community.

Thank you,

Chris Weaver