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Here’s how Jefferson County Farm Bureau worked on behalf of members in 2023. Thank you for your membership!

• AFBF County Activity of Excellence – Check Your Engine – Mental Health Awareness project was awarded 1 of 24 CAE awards in the country. Jan. 5 – 10, volunteers promoted the project at the annual convention held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• Check Your Engine – Mental Health Awareness Campaign – This project is an effort to focus on the mental health of farmers. In partnership with the ADAMHS board of Carroll and Tuscarawas counties and mental health professionals from Harrison and Jefferson counties.
• Ag Day at the Capital – County leaders shared key policy concerns during meetings with state legislators and heard from Gov. Mike DeWine and Director of Agriculture Brian Baldridge.
• Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce – Coffee and Connections – The Jefferson County Farm Bureau teamed up with the Chamber to host a Coffee and Connections Jan. 11. This was an opportunity to meet new people in the community and share what all Farm Bureau does.
• Township Trustee Brunch – Jan. 14, the township trustees across Jefferson County were invited to a brunch that highlighted some of the issues they might face in their townships. Dale Arnold, Director of Energy Policy at the Ohio Farm Bureau, discussed solar energy projects in Ohio. Erika Lyon, OSU Extension, Ag & Natural Resources Educator, spoke on noxious and invasive vegetation and how they affect roadway maintenance. The goal of this meeting was to address some of the local policies set by the Jefferson County Farm Bureau in hopes to educate everyone on some of those issues and how Farm Bureau can help.
• CAUV Event with SWCD and Auditor – In early February, 35 people attended this event in partnership with the Jefferson County SWCD and the Jefferson County Auditor to explain how to use CAUV. Attendees were able to ask questions about CAUV and become more familiar with the program.
• Young Ag Professionals Cornhole Tournament – In partnership with Edison High School, this was a fun event to gather and have fun. A square dance also took place after the tournament. 60 were in attendance. 100+ canned goods were donated to Amsterdam Food Pantry.
• Ag Innovators Field Day – Approximately 30 people attended the event hosted at Irish Ridge Farm to hear from speakers who talked about solar energy on the farm as well as farm liability.
• Policy Resource Meeting – Area business leaders and Farm Bureau members gathered in June to voice concerns they noticed in Carroll County. The county board took those concerns and developed policies to be voted on at the local, state and national levels.
• Homestead Rendezvous – The county Farm Bureau participated as a vendor and demonstrator at this event. A scavenger hunt was a big hit for the kids who came to the booth. They were tasked with the challenge to go visit other vendors and bring back their list to earn a prize. A cooking demonstration was also part of our efforts to educate attendees about how to prepare pork correctly and safely.
• BBQ Demonstration – Pork chops and beef sliders were grilled at the farmers market to teach the public on how to properly prepare and cook pork chops and ground beef. Vegetables were also prepared that were produced by the vendors at the market.
• County Fair Booth – A booth was set up all week at the Jefferson County Fair. Kids enjoyed agriculture-related games as well as an educational scavenger hunt. Volunteers communicated with fair-goers about the good work Farm Bureau is doing across the county, state, and nation.
• County Fair Welcome Meal – 4-H families were welcomed with a hotdog, chips, and a drink as they moved in their projects to the fair.
• County Annual Meeting – Members gathered to vote for board trustees, approve financials and minutes, vote on delegate representation at OFBF Annual Meeting and to establish local policies and policies to be proposed at OFBF and AFBF, all while celebrating the successes of the county Farm Bureau and our amazing members.
• Straight From The Heart – Our annual four-county Straight from the Heart Women’s Wellness Day happened Oct. 14. There were presenters on many different topics (food prep, decorating, self-defense, health and well- being, wine pairing with foods, etc.) for breakout sessions and two keynote speakers. This day includes three meals, presenter/speaker gifts, goodie bags, centerpieces and door prizes galore.
• Online Buy Local Directory – This is a new platform for members to publish the products and services they provide. This is a solution for many members to have a resource that could generate more income. In addition, this is a public website that will prompt the public to buy local goods and services.
• Scholarships – Three $500 scholarships were awarded to students this year!