Applications open for 2026 Growing Tomorrow Grant
The grant helps create opportunities for early-stage agricultural businesses to move forward by addressing financial and startup hurdles. Apply by July 31.
Read More
The 2024 Sale of Champions livestock auction once again wrapped up the Ohio State Fair. The event, held Sunday afternoon Aug. 4 in the WCOL Celeste Center, showcased Ohio’s premium livestock, premier junior fair exhibitors and generous supporters. On the sale bill were the grand champion and reserve champion of many species, including market beef, market barrows, market lambs, market chickens and boer goats, as well as the grand champion market turkey and a block of Swiss cheese to represent the seven dairy champions. In full, the 2024 auction raised a total of $260,500.
Ohio Farm Bureau, along with partners Bob Evans, Kroger and Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, purchased the Grand Champion Market Steer exhibited by Annistyn Oszust of Tuscarawas County, which sold for $40,000. Oszust received $25,000 from the sale, with the remaining $15,000 going to the Virgil L. Strickler Youth Reserve Program.
Ohio Farm Bureau, along with partners Bob Evans and Kroger, purchased the Reserve Grand Champion Market Barrow exhibited by Kole Bishop of Champaign County, which sold for $35,000. Bishop received $9,000 from the sale, with the remaining $26,000 going to the Virgil L. Strickler Youth Reserve Program.
Ohio Farm Bureau, along with partners Kroger and the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, also purchased the Grand Champion Market Lamb exhibited by Ava Shroyer from Logan County for $13,000, equaling the cap amount allotted to the exhibitor.
Established in 1995, the Virgil L. Strickler Youth Reserve Program was developed to reward junior exhibitors who participate in the Ohio State Fair. This year’s Sale of Champions raised $134,500 for the Youth Reserve Program; since its inception the program has awarded nearly $5 million to more than 44,500 youth exhibitors.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.
This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or [email protected].
Editors: High-resolution photos for the Grand Champion Market Steer, Reserve Grand Champion Market Barrow and Grand Champion Market Lamb are available for download.
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.
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.
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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.
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 partners with Life Line Screening to expand access to preventive health screenings
This new partnership provides members access to preventive cardiovascular and stroke risk screenings at a member-preferred rate.
Read More
Collegiate Farm Bureau launches at University of Findlay
Collegiate Farm Bureau creates opportunities for students to connect with Ohio’s agricultural industry, develop leadership skills and prepare for careers in food and agriculture.
Read More
Results: AFBF survey on fertilizer affordability
In response to current fertilizer market conditions, American Farm Bureau recently surveyed farmers regarding fertilizer availability and affordability for their…
Read More
Mohr named senior accounting assistant
Karen Mohr of Union County has been named senior accounting assistant for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read More
Registration open for 2026 ExploreAg STEM camps
2026 camps feature an expanded lineup of one-day experiences and a weeklong immersive camp for high school students. Registration closes 10 days before each experience.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau urges action on U.S. 23 and I-71 Connector Study
ODOT is accepting public comments through April 14, and Ohio Farm Bureau is encouraging anyone who may be impacted or concerned to share feedback during this critical stage of the process.
Read More
Snider named to American Farm Bureau committee
Derek Snider has been appointed to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee for the 2026-2028 term.
Read More
Robinson named Ohio Farm Bureau organization director
Olivia Robinson of Hanover has been named organization director for Ohio Farm Bureau and will serve members in Guernsey, Morgan, Muskingum and Perry counties.
Read More
Beery wins Ohio Farm Bureau 2026 Collegiate Discussion Meet
Ruth Beery of Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau is the winner of Ohio Farm Bureau’s 2026 Collegiate Discussion Meet competition….
Read More