Ohio Farm Bureau

Continuing its “value first” approach, Ohio Farm Bureau has developed a new pilot project in 12 northwest Ohio county Farm Bureaus to test an alternative field staff structure. 

This project follows the 2022 launch of an initial pilot that is testing a new service delivery model in cooperation with eight county Farm Bureaus in northwest Ohio, with a unique combination of staffing and a structure aimed to build membership with more specialized programs and services. 

According to Ohio Farm Bureau Vice President of Membership Paul Lyons, this new pilot project will have very similar goals as the first, but will use a slightly different method. Those goals include leading with the value of Farm Bureau when promoting the organization, creating new approaches to acquire and retain members while designing a more individualized experience for them, and testing a new staff delivery model to meet Ohio Farm Bureau’s overall goals.

“For this new pilot project, the county Farm Bureau structure will remain the same, as will the staff,” Lyons said. “The biggest change will be within the duties of the organization directors, as they will continue to serve as the liaison between the four counties they represent and Ohio Farm Bureau, but will also have a specialty area they will execute in all 12 counties.”

With those additional assignments come promotions for the organization directors involved in this new pilot project.

Samantha Bluhm adds business solutions specialist to her organization director title in Allen, Paulding, Putnam and Van Wert counties. Her new position will include the task of helping members find the potential within their operation, learning from experts and discovering new business opportunities to optimize the profit potential of the farm. These tools include a multitude of services from Farm Bureau partner Nationwide, workforce recruitment and retention, and Ohio Farm Bureau’s Health Benefits Plan, to name a few.

Roy D. Norman has been named senior organization director and policy specialist for Defiance, Fulton, Henry and Williams counties. His focus will be providing members opportunities to work with policymakers and community leaders to advance Ohio agriculture and create a favorable business environment.

Jill Smith is now senior organization director and member development specialist for Auglaize, Logan, Mercer and Shelby counties. Her work will now include forming collaborations and building relationships with key agriculture professionals and partners that will keep members ready for the next innovation or issue and provide professional and business growth opportunities.

Much like the first pilot project, these new ideas stem from a feasibility study conducted by Ohio Farm Bureau, as well as focus groups held across the state last year and input from Ohio Farm Bureau’s state board of trustees. All research indicated a need for more specialized member services at the county level.

“Our hope is that within the 12 counties of the new pilot project that we will have a more unified approach to the services our members expect as they evolve and grow,” Lyons said. “This structure will also give members more opportunities to engage with the organization on a whole new level.”

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or [email protected].

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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