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Hundreds of Ohio Farm Bureau members convened in downtown Columbus for the organization’s annual Ag Day at the Capital Feb. 21. Among those in attendance were representatives from various county Farm Bureaus.

Keith Holbrook and Roger Rhonemus represented Adams County Farm Bureau. Chris Rogers, Ben Parker, and Shannon Utter were in attendance on behalf of the Brown County Farm Bureau Board of Trustees. Joseph Glassmeyer III, Josh Ison, and Sarah Ison served as Clermont County Farm Bureau representatives. Evan Davis and Blake Adams represented Highland County. Additionally, Nathan Brown, trustee of District 20 on the Ohio Farm Bureau state board, along with Organization Director Heather Utter, were also present.

The event provided an opportunity for these representatives to engage directly with their state senators and representatives on various issues pertinent to Ohio Farm Bureau’s agenda. Among them was Ohio Senator Shane Wilkin and Ohio Representative Adam Bird, with whom discussions were held regarding various agricultural issues. Furthermore, attendees also had the privilege of meeting with Brian Baldridge, the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. These meetings provided a platform for fruitful exchanges on matters concerning agriculture, rural development, and the broader farming community in Ohio.

Priority matters such as eminent domain reform, enhanced landowner protections, water quality improvement, fostering a resilient food system, and expanding affordable high-speed broadband access were among the topics introduced. These discussions also encompassed broader community concerns.

Jack Irvin, Ohio Farm Bureau’s Vice President of Public Policy, emphasized the significance of this gathering, stating, “This is an awesome opportunity for members from all across the state to come together, meet individually with their legislators, share the importance of farming and Ohio’s agriculture industry and show off the grassroots power of this organization.”

Attendees engaged in a Leadership Panel featuring members of the 135th General Assembly, where the future trajectory of crucial agricultural policies under consideration in Columbus was deliberated. These discussions spanned diverse areas such as property taxes, environmental stewardship, education, workforce development, and rural healthcare.

In addition to legislative exchanges, participants had the chance to hear from Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson and Executive Vice President Adam Sharp during breaks between meetings with lawmakers at the Statehouse.

Ohio Farm Bureau remains committed to its mission of collaborating for Ohio farmers’ advancement and the strengthening of communities. For more information, visit ohiofarmbureau.org.