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On Dec. 7 and 8, our Ohio Farm Bureau held its 105th annual meeting in Columbus, and it was a truly inspiring experience. More than 350 dedicated delegates, along with 750 passionate members and guests, gathered to represent our county Farm Bureaus.

It’s incredible to think that these individuals, busy with their farms, ag businesses, and jobs, set aside time to ensure that the voices of their fellow county members were not just heard but truly understood.

The beauty of this gathering lies in its grassroots process — a process filled with robust discussions, thorough research and thoughtful deliberation. It’s the very core of our organization — policy. Policy discussions ranged from the realms of artificial intelligence and community solar projects, to the more tangible issues of feral swine, livestock shows, and the support for the use of Food and Drug Administration and Food Residue Avoidance Databank standards.

In the wake of recent disasters, the importance of local emergency management agencies collaborating with the agricultural community was an important topic as well. Farm Bureau also stood firm in advocating for the ongoing monitoring and assessment of air, land, plant and water resources in areas affected by disasters – a crucial step toward recovery.

What struck me most during the meeting was witnessing people from diverse backgrounds – large and small farmers, ag business owners, organic and conventional farmers – coming together. Despite varying beliefs, opinions and experiences, they shared a common goal: working together to ensure the future of agriculture.

It’s a call to unity that goes beyond the meeting halls. If you’re a member, I encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions with your county board. Your voice matters. If you’re involved in agriculture, consider joining Farm Bureau – it’s an opportunity to be part of a collective effort to shape the future of our industry.

Now, more than ever, our industry needs advocates. It needs people who are willing to stand up and fight for its survival and prosperity. The challenges we face are vast, but together, as a united force, we can overcome them.

So, let’s keep the spirit of collaboration alive, let’s keep those conversations flowing, and let’s work together to ensure a bright and resilient future for agriculture in Ohio. After all, it’s the passion, simplicity, and friendliness of individuals like you that make our rural communities truly special.

Submitted by Mandy Orahood, the organization director at the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation for Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties.

OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.