Patterson serving on 2026 OFBF Policy Development Committee
Bill Patterson of Chesterland is serving on the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Policy Development Committee.
Read More
Trumbull County Farm Bureau is pleased to announce that the 2025 New Farmer Expansion Grant has been awarded to Julianne McCormick of Burghill.
McCormick has deep roots in agriculture—growing up helping on her grandparents’ dairy farm, spending 10 years as a 4-H dairy member, and continuing her passion through a career as a full-time herdsman. In recent years, she has taken steps to build her own operation, developing a small but high-genetic-quality registered Jersey herd under the Lavender Ridge prefix, along with a growing beef herd operated with her husband.
With a clear vision for growth, McCormick plans to expand her Jersey herd and focus on marketing her genetics to a broader audience. She is also exploring opportunities in the niche A2 dairy market and hopes to grow their locally raised beef business to better serve local consumers. As her husband’s family nears retirement, they plan to take over and expand that dairy and crop operation as well.
The $1,500 New Farmer Expansion Grant will help support her next steps by funding continued education through industry seminars, expanding marketing efforts, and investing in equipment and cattle housing as their herd grows. Her goal is to not only grow her business but also build strong professional connections and contribute meaningfully to the agricultural community.
This grant was made possible thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who believes in supporting the next generation of farmers. Trumbull County Farm Bureau is deeply grateful for their contribution and the opportunity it provides for beginning farmers like Julie McCormick to take meaningful steps toward a strong and sustainable future in agriculture.
Please join us in congratulating Julianne McCormick on this well-deserved recognition!
Photo caption: Pictured Left to right: Marsha Stanhope, Trumbull County Farm Bureau president; Julie McCormick, recipient; and Callae Moody, Trumbull County Young Ag Professionals Action Team Leader.
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.
Featured Articles
Stanhope serving on 2026 OFBF Policy Development Committee
Marsha Stanhope of Kinsman is serving on the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Policy Development Committee.
Read More
Raising livestock can be family affair
While we may walk into those barns thinking we’re raising livestock for the county fair, somewhere along the way we’re raising kids, too.
Read More
Expanding into a new farm venture
Who knew that what started as having to come up with a prefix for my first homebred Jersey would grow into such a brand and new business ventures for me.
Read More
Summers on the farm transition into school
Not every child will grow up on a farm, but every child deserves some version of the freedom my grandparents’ farm gave me — the freedom to be curious, learn by doing and grow at their own pace.
Read More
Preserving your harvest
Canning and freezing are the most common ways to preserve garden vegetables, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to preserve quality and taste, and to promote food safety.
Read More
Agricultural outreach grows community awareness
This past month has been filled with so many wonderful opportunities to share our love and passion for farming, and to give consumers a small glimpse into what it takes to raise and care for crops and animals.
Read More
Firefly Ridge receives 2026 Trumbull County Farm Bureau New Farmer Expansion Grant
The $1,500 grant is awarded annually to support the growth and development of beginning farmers who are committed to advancing Ohio agriculture.
Read More
Don’t forget to water your plants during the heat
As a general rule of thumb, an inch of rain each week during the summer is needed for most plants.
Read More
Learn about farming at the fair
I hope you have plans to go to the fair as well. Continuing to learn is important, no matter your age. So, bring your questions and let’s have a conversation.
Read More