Legal with Leah: Understanding Ohio’s 2026 CAUV Update
The 2026 Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) update brings lower values in many reappraisal counties and a significant policy win on permanent pasture.
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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.”
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.
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.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through 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.
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.
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.
Featured Articles
Ohio Farm Bureau applauds 2026 CAUV updates
CAUV updates include a slight decline in values for counties undergoing reappraisals and a long-sought change to the valuation of permanent pastureland.
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Wayne County property reappraisal update
Staff from the county auditor’s office met with several Wayne County Farm Bureau board trustees earlier this spring to give an update on the state-mandated 2026 reappraisal.
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Legal with Leah: Insight on Recent Property Tax Legislation
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Property tax policy under discussion
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Legal with Leah – CAUV Increases Continue
In 2025, about 21 counties are going through a reappraisal or update, and because Ohioans pay taxes one year behind, they will see new property tax bills in January 2026.
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Ohio timber law: Don’t miss the forest or the trees
Overall, proper care, maintenance and communication are all essential parts of the process when it comes to trees.
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CAUV: 2025 reappraisals forecast 50% increase
This will apply to the 23 counties on the revaluation cycle in 2025, who will see updated values and tax bills in January 2026.
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Standing up for farmers
‘We never stop pushing to ensure farmland taxation is fair and reflects the realities of agriculture.’ ~ Mandy Orahood
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Ohio Farm Bureau offers CAUV in 2025 webinar recording
In this recording, learn about the recent increases in Ohio CAUV values, gather information to help you understand the property tax system, and get an update on legislative action.
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