CAUV: Past, present and future
Taking a look at the history of CAUV can help with understanding its structure, fluidity and the eternal vigilance needed by Ohio Farm Bureau and our members for its sustainability.
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When David Thomas took office as county auditor in Ashtabula County in 2019, one of his very first priorities was to begin a strong CAUV outreach effort with the county’s farmers. As a member himself, he understood the importance of working with his county Farm Bureau to accomplish the task.
“We work terrifically with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, hosting at least one to two outreach town halls every year to educate new farmers and existing farmers on traditional CAUV and woodlands,” he said. “Farm Bureau helps advertise our events and often speaks at our sessions. We also send additional letters, emails, and social media content directed at farming property owners to help educate. Heather Hall, our CAUV specialist, is amazing with farmer relationships and getting information out to people.”
Efforts in Ashtabula County are paying off. Data released earlier this year show CAUV farmers saved a total of $6.75 million for tax year 2023, compared to $6.71 million in 2022, which was the previous record, according to the Ashtabula County auditor’s office. The number of new properties in the program increased as well, with 84 farms being added in 2023.
Thomas, who comes from a farming background, said he sees the struggle
farmers face.
“In my current role as county auditor, I want to do as much as we can to help alleviate the financial pressures of farmers,” he said. “We have seen huge increases in ag district applications, traditional and woodland CAUV, and general tax credit participants simply by educating and getting the info out there.”
Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
Featured Articles
Who oversees CAUV appraisals in Ohio? A farmer
Kelly Tennant’s story starts as many others in agriculture do, but her current day job impacts Ohio ag more than most.
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Q&A: Conservation practices and CAUV savings
Learn more about eligibility and how to include conservation practices on CAUV enrollment forms.
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Smaller farms can benefit from CAUV
Bob and Polly Givens are on a mission to inform small landowners-homesteaders of the advantages of CAUV.
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Development pressure, high farmland prices a big concern
With the pressure on Ohio farms, perhaps the most important way farmers can afford to keep farming is with the protection of CAUV.
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Spawning a fish farm over time
Mark DePugh was on the fence about renewing his CAUV enrollment, until he realized the amount of tax savings he would be missing.
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Advocating for CAUV in Ashtabula County
When David Thomas took office as county auditor in Ashtabula County in 2019, one of his very first priorities was to begin a strong CAUV outreach effort with the county’s farmers.
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Standing guard
Our work to protect and refine CAUV continues. And, as always, membership makes it happen.
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Across the Table: Our work on CAUV continues
Ohio Farm Bureau is heavily involved and actively working on a solution to current CAUV challenges that will offer all property owners across Ohio a clear and predictable tax valuation system.
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Local Farm Bureaus host CAUV Informational Session
Farm Bureau’s role in supporting the agricultural community is crucial, especially during times of significant change and uncertainty.
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