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The 2025 Clermont County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting was held Thursday, Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Clermont County Fairgrounds, 4-H Hall in Owensville. President Joe Glassmeyer III opened the meeting with the pledge, after which Loretta Blevins gave the invocation. Everyone enjoyed a catered dinner from Ace of Taste.

Glasmeyer kicked off the official business meeting at 6:34 p.m. and introduced Congressman David Taylor. Taylor provided federal updates for those gathered and, as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, he is eager to support legislation that bolsters Ohio’s agriculture industry while supporting local farmers, ranchers, and producers. Farm Bureau Board of Trustees were recognized, OFBF leaders recognized included Connie Ward, Whittney Bowers, Steve Berk, Nathan Brown, and Farm Bureau personnel Heather Utter and Heather Boldman. Local Nationwide agents and Select Partners Charla Hoernemann and Caroline Hennig with Paul Hall & Associates were acknowledged and thanked for their year-round contributions to the organization.

Other Friends of Farm Bureau were asked to stand and introduce themselves. Guests included Brian Baldrige (ODA Director), Adam Bird (Ohio Representative), Randy Chemault (Senator Husted’s office), Gigi Neal (OSU Extension), Harry Snyder (Great Oaks Career Campus), and Charles Tassell (Ohio Director of Rural Development).

Clermont County board trustees present for the evening included Bill Barg, Lane Bruan, Mattis Brumbach, Cindy Cassell, Josh Ison, Sarah Ison, Renee Koerner, Kathy Mosbaugh, Michael Reeves, Jeremy Trester and Joseph Glassmeyer.

Formalities of the evening included the acceptance of the 2024 Annual Meeting minutes as written and the acceptance of the 2024-2025 financial report. Attendees voted on trustee nominations and 2026 State Annual Meeting delegates. The Policy Development Committee reported no policies were being presented this evening and no policies were brought forth from the floor. A proposed code change regarding membership dues was explained and passed by a voice vote.

Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge provided remarks on current issues including avian influenza, the 2024 drought, and the importance of mental health, while also outlining efforts to improve food traceability, promote water quality through the H2Ohio program, and highlight the Ohio Proud program.

This year Clermont County Farm Bureau awarded one $1,000 scholarship to a 2025 graduating senior, Leah Patchell. Sarah Ison proceeded to invite members of Don Andrews’ family to come forward. They announced Eden Myers and Maddox Rash would be the recipients of the 2025 Don Andrews Memorial Scholarships. Don’s daughter, Tracy, stressed to the students and everyone present the importance of continuing his legacy and continuing to be a voice for agriculture.

OFBF Board Trustee Nathan Brown addressed attendees with updates on issues impacting Ohio agriculture, including farmland preservation, water quality, and the importance of member engagement. He thanked Farm Bureau members for giving the organization a strong voice and emphasized the value of having a seat at the table alongside the Ohio Department of Agriculture and Congressman Taylor. Brown highlighted member benefits such as the health benefits plan and drought assistance—sharing that his own farm was affected and that he had made the difficult decision to sell his cow herd. He encouraged producers to enroll in the H2Ohio program and reminded everyone to check in on friends and neighbors, especially when concerned about their mental health. Brown announced his retirement from the OFBF State Board and closed by reminding members, “at the end of the day, if your farm is not successful, that doesn’t mean you aren’t successful.”

Whittney Bowers, Director of State Policy and Grassroots Engagement for Ohio Farm Bureau, emphasized the importance of constituents sharing their voices with legislators and commended local leaders Sarah Ison, Joe Glassmeyer, and Nathan Brown for their dedication to advocacy. She provided an overview of Ohio Farm Bureau’s recent work to improve access to affordable health care in rural communities, noting that the health care plan passed through both the Ohio House and Senate in just five months. Bowers closed by reminding members that “it’s not just that advocacy matters, it’s that membership matters.”

President Joe Glassmeyer II gave his report which included a reflection on the year’s events, the Action Team Leaders and staff recognition. Cindy Cassell gave a detailed account of the upcoming Farm Tour and the success of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Grant with the students at Grant Career Center this past year.

Glassmeyer stated that all trustees on the ballot were nominated to the board including: Lane Bruan, Sarah Ison, Renee Koerner and Kathy Mosbaugh. The 2026 State Annual Meeting delegates will be Cindy Cassell, Sarah Ison, and Jeremy Trester. A motion was made to close the meeting at 7:41 p.m.