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A large contingent of Ohio Farm Bureau members made their way to the Statehouse in Columbus Feb. 19 for Ohio Farm Bureau’s annual Ag Day at the Capital to meet one-on-one with their state senators and representatives. During the event, Ohio Farm Bureau’s priority issues were unveiled, including building healthy rural communities by increasing affordable health care options for members through Farm Bureau Health Plans, promoting a strong business climate by preserving beneficial tax structures, creating a responsible regulatory environment, promoting an efficient state budget and encouraging policies that simultaneously allow for economic development and smart growth while preserving Ohio’s farmland, along with a host of other community issues.

“The priority issues laid out in the 2025 Ohio Agriculture and Rural Communities Action Plan provides a blueprint for policymakers and Ohio Farm Bureau members to bolster Ohio’s agriculture industry and our rural communities,” said Jack Irvin, vice president of public policy with Ohio Farm Bureau. “Being able to convey these important messages directly with lawmakers is something that our members don’t take for granted, and to be able to give them access to do that is a prime example of what this organization is all about.”

Participants learned about SB 100 and HB 99, new legislation introduced recently that would establish Farm Bureau Health Plans, resulting in access to affordable, personalized health care plans for Ohio farm families who do not have access to health insurance as an employee benefit or who are uninsured or underinsured due to high costs and limited options in the marketplace.

Attendees also took part in a Leadership Panel with members of the 136th General Assembly discussing the future of important agriculture policies currently being considered in Columbus, including property taxes, environmental stewardship, education and workforce development and rural health care, among other topics.

In addition to lawmakers, attendees also heard from Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge, Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson and the organization’s Executive Vice President Adam Sharp, between meetings with legislators at the Statehouse.

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].