Legal with Leah: Eminent Domain and Quick Take
Ohio Farm Bureau Associate General Counsel Leah Curtis explains how the eminent domain process works in Ohio, what ‘quick take’ means and when it can be used.
Read More
In recent years, there has been a new addition to our airspace. And while some may assume it’s a bird or a plane, it may actually be a drone flying overhead. These unmanned aerial vehicles and systems can be a great instrument but can also create a nuisance. Leah Curtis, associate general counsel for Ohio Farm Bureau, gives an update on the latest policies surrounding drones.
Listen to Legal with Leah, a podcast featuring Ohio Farm Bureau’s Policy Counsel Leah Curtis discussing topics impacting farmers and landowners.
Transcript
Ryan Matthews [00:00:00] In recent years, there has been a new addition to our airspace. And while some may assume it’s a bird or a plane, it may actually be a drone flying overhead. These unmanned aerial vehicles and systems can be a great instrument, but can also create a nuisance. Leah Curtis joins us on this Legal with Leah. She’s the Associate General Counsel for the Ohio Farm Bureau.
Ryan Matthews [00:00:22] So we know that drones can be a great tool for farmers for lots of reasons, but when we often hear about with drones are the problems. Talk some about the concerns we hear from our members.
Leah Curtis [00:00:32] The main concern that we hear about drones is really in relation to privacy and trespassing. And frankly, to be upfront, those issues are still very gray at this point in the law. And that’s because the technology, and really in this case, I think the availability of the technology has gone much faster than really the law can. So, anyone can go to a major retailer, they can purchase a drone, they can have it out of the box and in the air in just a little bit of time. And so that makes it difficult from a regulatory standpoint, to make sure everyone is following all the rules and requirements and we’re all kind of on the same playing field.
Ryan Matthews [00:01:08] So let’s start with this: what does it take to do this legally?
Leah Curtis [00:01:13] There are a lot of requirements that you have to comply with to fly a drone, particularly if you are flying for anything that is not recreational. And FAA is very particular that non-recreational means purely for your own enjoyment. So even if you doing it purely for you own enjoyment, there are number of basic requirements and tests you need to take, but a much longer list that we really can’t go over everything in this time. But you will need to do things like register your drone. You have to fly in certain airspace levels within a visual line of sight, pass certain flight tests, or a pilot test in certain circumstances. And some of these rules can be waived, but those waivers have to be applied for and approved by the FAA.
Ryan Matthews [00:02:00] Now a lot of times when people see a drone, we hear this notion that people will just take it down. But I’m guessing that might not be a good idea. So what should they do instead?
Leah Curtis [00:02:09] So you’re absolutely correct. It is not a good idea for a person to take it within their own hands to take down or even shoot down a drone, as some people often say. Because under federal law, it is a felony to damage, destroy, disable, or wreck any aircraft, and that can apply also to drones that might be flying overhead. So instead, landowners should contact their local law enforcement when they have concerns. They can also contact the FAA, who will investigate complaints related to any kind of aircraft. And then if you know who’s flying the drone, this is one of those times where it might be worth trying to have a conversation, a calm conversation about your concerns, kind of see what’s happening. They may be thinking they are just scouting their own crops, but you’re seeing the drone. There could be some misunderstanding. So if you do know who it is, having a conversation might be helpful to limit your concerns.
Ryan Matthews [00:03:06] Ohio did recently pass some new laws regarding drones; can you give us an update on those?
Leah Curtis [00:03:11] At the end of last year, the Legislature passed some laws directed at certain security concerns with drones. These laws are going to prohibit operating a drone in a way that knowingly endangers a person or a property or it disregards safety. Also will prohibit impeding or disrupting law enforcement or emergency operations. There’s also going to be a number of prohibitions against operating drones to further criminal activity around critical facilities. And those are defined as things like sheriff’s office, courthouses, jails, military installations or hospitals. And then finally, the law is going to allow local governments to make their own rules or ordinances about how they use drones, but also the use of those hobby or recreational drones over their parks or their publicly owned spaces.
Ryan Matthews [00:03:58] This is Leah Curtis, Associate General Counsel for the Ohio Farm Bureau, and I’m Ryan Matthews.
Drone photo by Dave Liggett.
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
Legal with Leah: Understanding Ohio’s 2026 CAUV Update
The 2026 Current Agricultural Use Value update brings lower values in many reappraisal counties and a significant policy win on permanent pasture.
Read More
Legal with Leah: Meteorites and Trespassing
A recent meteorite in northeast Ohio has sparked fascination and a few legal questions. Leah Curtis joins to discuss what this rare event means for landowners.
Read More
Legal with Leah: Rails to Trails and Eminent Domain
Leah Curtis discusses Rails to Trails projects, potential impact on farmland when these conversions happen and Farm Bureau’s role in a North Carolina case.
Read More
Legal with Leah: The questions around data centers
Leah Curtis joins this Legal with Leah to talk about what data centers mean for local communities and how to stay engaged in the development process
Read More
Legal with Leah: Understanding the Change to Ohio’s Pesticide Law
Ohio Farm Bureau advocated for a change in the law to allow family members and employees to handle pesticides while under the supervision of a licensed applicator. The rules around HB 10 are being finalized.
Read More
Legal with Leah: Insight on Recent Property Tax Legislation
Four property tax reform bills were signed into Ohio law at the end of 2025. Ohio Farm Bureau Associate General Counsel Leah Curtis breaks down the bills and what the changes mean for Ohioans.
Read More
Legal with Leah: A Drone Policy Update
Learn what the requirements are to legally fly a drone in Ohio as well as steps the Ohio Legislature has taken in terms of security concerns.
Read More
Legal with Leah – CAUV Increases Continue
In 2025, about 21 counties are going through a reappraisal or update, and because Ohioans pay taxes one year behind, they will see new property tax bills in January 2026.
Read More
Legal with Leah: Changes to Ohio pesticide licensing
Any unlicensed handlers who use restricted use pesticides will need to have additional training. Farm Bureau will be working on legislation to give employers a choice on how to provide training.
Read More