double crop soybeans

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.

David Thomas Ashtabula County Auditor
Thomas

“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.”

Farm Bureau connections
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
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

Giving farmers a voice
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
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

Bringing the farm back to life
Farm Bureau involvement
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
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

Select Partner Program
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

Advocacy
Suggested Tags: