Bill Patterson 2023 annual meeting

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.

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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