September/October 2025 Our Ohio
The theme of September/October Our Ohio magazine is Health & Safety.
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This summer, I stepped into the role of director of communications and media relations for Ohio Farm Bureau.
For me, this role feels like coming full circle — returning to the Buckeye State and working for the organization that helped me find my place in agriculture.
While life has taken me across a few state lines, Ohio, and specifically Highland County, has always been home. I grew up around agriculture, with many of my extended family members as farmers, but it wasn’t until I joined 4-H and FFA that I saw just how diverse and vital agriculture is to our daily lives. Through my ag education and the encouragement of family, mentors and community members, I knew I wanted to work in this field and went on to study political science and agricultural communications at The Ohio State University.
In college, I served as Ohio FFA state president, led Ohio State’s Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter, interned at American Farm Bureau and worked as an Ohio State Fair Land and Living ambassador for Ohio Farm Bureau.
After completing my master’s in Christian ministries from Liberty University, I moved to Washington, D.C., to work for American Farm Bureau as a communications specialist. At AFBF, writing for executive leadership and traveling the country with President Zippy Duvall, I gained a national perspective on how grassroots leaders drive real change. Now, back home, I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned, dig into Ohio-specific issues, and connect the media, lawmakers and the public to Ohio farmers.
One of the biggest blessings in this transition has been working with former senior director of communications and media relations, Ty Higgins. With an incredible career in Ohio agricultural media, and six years in this role, Ty has left big shoes to fill, and I’m thankful for the foundation he built. I’m also glad Ty will remain a key voice in Ohio agriculture as he begins the role of general manager for Ag Net Communications.
I am more than ready to get started, and an important part of this position, perhaps the most important, is keeping in touch with members and the farming community so I can share your challenges, experiences, priority issues and perspectives.
I could use your help. I am updating and building a member network that I can go to for insight. Please complete this form to connect with me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Ryan Matthews is director of communications and media relations for Ohio Farm Bureau.
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
Across the Table: Keeping safety and wellness top of mind
As we enter harvest season, keep farm safety and overall health and wellness in mind. And know that your Farm Bureau team is working hard to have your back.
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Don’t sidestep safety on the farm
Taking the time to evaluate your next move on the farm might just save your life.
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One unguarded decision can have a generational impact
If you take anything away from this story, I hope it is this: Don’t ever think it can’t happen to you.
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Ag safety zones at county fair are more than educational
The project was launched at the Montgomery County Fair in part to honor Levi Montoya who died in an ATV accident in 2014.
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Ring on the River: Rallying around community health
Many county Farm Bureaus throughout the state show their support for local communities by hosting and sponsoring events that bring awareness to health-related issues.
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Nationwide News: Preventing propane accidents on the farm
By understanding the dangers and taking these precautions, farmers can safely harness the power of propane.
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Coming home to Ohio Farm Bureau
Maybe the most important part of my role is keeping in touch with members and the farming community so I can share your challenges, experiences, priority issues and perspectives.
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Innovative technology improves ag safety
Ohio Farm Bureau’s Heritage Partner Nationwide teams up with leading agtech companies to offer innovative protection solutions that can help reduce losses and boost productivity.
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Health care help is on the way
Farm Bureau Health Plans will give access to affordable, personalized health care plans for Ohio farm families.
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