2025 AFBF delegates

At the 106th American Farm Bureau Annual Convention this week, Ohio Farm Bureau member-approved policies were shared with AFBF delegates for consideration. In fact, all 13 policies that came from Ohio were passed on the AFBF delegate floor.

Most notably, Ohio Farm Bureau’s proposals on renewable energy were accepted, including a new national policy that supports incentives for renewable energy in rural areas that prioritizes energy production on land not suitable for agricultural production.

“The Ohio policies passed by AFBF delegates stem from the Renewable Energy Working Group that was created as a result of the priorities set after the 2023 Ohio Farm Bureau annual meeting, with the focus of protecting farmland while developing brownfields and other suitable options for energy projects,” said Brad Bales, senior director of state and national policy with Ohio Farm Bureau. “Ultimately, we came to San Antonio with solid policy, got it across the finish line, and we are very happy with the outcome.”

Other policies brought to the floor by Ohio Farm Bureau and passed by American Farm Bureau include making Sustainable Aviation Fuel tax credits implementable, defense against foreign adversaries acquiring American farmland, and protecting honey bees from over regulation from multiple federal agencies. Delegates were Craig Pohlman, Cy Prettyman, Bill Patterson and Adele Flynn, pictured above.

Outside of Ohio Farm Bureau’s suggestions, key topics ranged from labor to rural broadband to trade. Delegates also adopted policy supporting the development and sale of domestically sourced sustainable aviation fuel, including expanding the list of acceptable conservation practices for feedstock eligibility.

“Today, Farm Bureau demonstrated what truly makes it the voice of American agriculture,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Delegates from each state Farm Bureau and Puerto Rico directly addressed the challenges and opportunities facing farmers and ranchers. The policies they set today give us a roadmap to work with the new administration and Congress to address the needs of rural America. It includes the passage of a new farm bill, enacting regulatory reform, and creating new markets for the men and women who are dedicated to keeping America’s pantries stocked.”

Recognizing the challenges of maintaining a strong agriculture workforce, delegates voted to stabilize labor costs to avoid drastic swings that put the economic sustainability of farms at risk. They also recommended the AFBF board study potential alternatives to the current Adverse Effect Wage Rate methodology used for the H-2A program.

On trade, delegates added policy in support of a United States—Mexico—Canada Agreement review process to encourage new opportunities while protecting U.S. agriculture from unfair competition.

Policy on rural broadband was revised to support requiring companies that win broadband loans or grants to quickly complete projects in underserved rural areas. Delegates also directed AFBF to press more forcefully for reform of the current requirements for small-scale meat, dairy and value-added processing facilities.

“All of the policies that were discussed on the delegate floor, from super-local to macro-global conversations, start at the county Farm Bureau level,” said Jack Irvin, vice president of public policy with Ohio Farm Bureau. “Policies are never entertained at this convention without the hands-on work by our members at the grassroots level and, to me, that is incredible and shows the true strength of this organization.”

New and beginning farmers
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.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
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.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

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

Youth pathways in 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.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

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

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

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

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