Prettyman chairs 2026 OFBF Policy Development Committee
Cy Prettyman of New Bloomington is serving as chairman of the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Policy Development Committee.
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The Crawford County Farm Bureau Agriculture Forecast Luncheon was held Feb. 20 at the Trillium Event Center in Bucyrus. The event was sponsored by AgCredit. Attendees enjoyed lunch and learned about business solutions that may help farmers stay a step ahead.
The AgTech Innovation Hub, a collaboration between The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio Farm Bureau, and Nationwide, supports research and solutions that will help the agricultural ecosystem while better understanding, managing, and mitigating climate risk. Bethany Rowles, innovation director, introduced research that is advancing water management practices, effectiveness of biologicals and evaluating the effects of weather on crop yields. The 2025 projects funded include evaluating automated water control in tiling to help mitigate dry conditions and nutrient loss, looking at Precision Ag data to see which data really matters and which have the greatest impact on yield, and upgrading the weather monitoring system to provide more accurate data for farmers to support making decisions.
Ryan Martin provided an update on the construction of Louis Dreyfus soybean processing plant in Upper Sandusky. Louis Dreyfus decided it was time to expand because of an increasing demand for food-grade oil, the expanded biofuel mandates and the aging of existing facilities which make an opportunity for new industry participants. The Upper Sandusky site was selected because of local infrastructure including US Route 30 and access to two railroad companies, there are experienced workers in the area as well as an ample supply of soybeans grown in the area and strong demand from local food and feed manufacturers for product.
Martin also spoke about commodity markets. Corn markets could improve if the ethanol demand stays in the upward cycle, but soybean markets are probably not going to be strong this year, barring a global change. The weather outlook looked good for this area. Martin stated that if people are ready to get into the field during dry weather, they should be able to work around any spring rain. He did not foresee any weather concerns, predicting normal rainfall with plenty of heat units for growth.
Ohio Farm Bureau knows members are seeking new ideas to gain an edge and ensure their farm or business thrives. We are evolving and growing to meet those needs with insights and business solutions to help grow your bottom line. Ohio Farm Bureau offers programs and services to help make your job easier. From risk management tools to insurance and banking services to farm lease management, we have solutions to help save you money and give you a competitive advantage. Visit ohiofarmbureau.org for more details.
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.
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.
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