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Last week’s article touched on CAUV, which is very important to agriculture — but beyond CAUV, Farm Bureau is about having a team in your corner, fighting for your farm, family and future.

Membership provides real value, from advocacy at the local, state and national levels, to practical business solutions that put money back in your pocket.

Thanks to Farm Bureau efforts, an average 200-acre farm saves $16,724 annually because of Farm Bureau’s leadership in the fight to establish tax-saving initiatives for members. This work includes protecting the agricultural sales tax exemption.

$3 million is the amount of gross receipts no taxes will be paid on in the tax year 2024 because Farm Bureau advocated for eliminating the Commercial Activity Tax and no taxes on the first $6 million of gross receipts in tax year 2025.

Beyond advocacy, Farm Bureau delivers direct financial benefits to members. Our Workers’ Compensation Group Rating Program has saved members $6.1 million in premiums, while our Energy Savings Program has cut energy bills by an average of 10%. More than 3,800 members and their families are covered through the Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan, offering affordable health care solutions. Farm Bureau also helped 90 farm members secure more than 2,400 legal H-2A guest workers, solving labor shortages critical to keeping Ohio farms running.

Supporting farm viability means investing in the future, and Ohio Farm Bureau is leading the way. More than $270,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 274 students this year alone, while our Youth Pathways grants and Growing Tomorrow grants continue to create opportunities for young farmers and entrepreneurs. The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation has secured $100,000 for organizations guiding students toward careers in agriculture and related STEM fields. Locally, our Farm Bureau offers scholarships to high school students, with applications due by March 31 — a great opportunity to support the next generation of agriculture leaders.

Mental health matters, too. Farm Bureau members and their families have access to mental health resources through the Farm State of Mind campaign. Through our advocacy, Ohio has dedicated $121.4 million to voluntary agricultural conservation efforts and nearly $270 million in H2Ohio water quality funding. We also fought for $250 million in the Ohio Rural Broadband Expansion Grant Program, ensuring that rural communities get the internet access they need to thrive.

We have exciting events coming up in our region. Join us on March 29 in Orwell for the Cultivating Strong Futures Ag Conference, featuring incredible sessions for farms of all sizes, ag business owners, and farmland owners — plus activities for kids. On April 3, we’re hosting a four-county Workers’ Comp Safety Meeting in Orwell, a key opportunity for local businesses and farms to ensure compliance and safety best practices. Also, don’t forget our Pet Clinic on April 5, offering affordable services for local pet owners. And if you’re a new or expanding farmer, check out our New Farmer Expansion Grant, designed to help you grow and succeed.

Farm Bureau members stay connected through policy briefings, annual meetings, leadership programs and events that build community and strengthen agriculture. More than 400 members gain leadership skills through programs like the Winter Leadership Experience and Washington, D.C. Leadership Trips. With over 100 educational opportunities annually, members receive training in risk management, farm succession, safety, energy trends, and regulatory policy–resources that empower farmers to make informed decisions.

Farm Bureau stands up for agriculture, taking on critical battles like eminent domain reform to protect landowners and challenging overreaching EPA regulations that threaten farming operations. Membership isn’t just about discounts — it’s about impact. It’s about ensuring that Ohio’s farmers have a strong voice, access to critical resources, and a network of support that helps them succeed.

When you renew or join Farm Bureau, you’re investing in the future of your farm, your family, and the industry that feeds the world. Now is the time to stand with your fellow farmers and strengthen Ohio agriculture. Join or renew today!

Submitted by Mandy Orahood, the organization director at Ohio Farm Bureau Federation for Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties.

OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio Farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.