2025 Belmont County Annual meeting

President Mike Burkhart conducted the Belmont County Farm Bureau 2025 Annual Meeting of members on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at Shady Lane Event Center, Barnesville.  At this meeting the members voted on proposed policies, code of regulations and selected trustees for the Board of Trustees as well as delegates to Ohio Farm Bureau 2026 Annual Meeting.

Policy issues included injection wells, homestead tax, sewer and septic systems, and several others.

Glenna Cain Distinguished Service Award

County President, Mike Burkhart presented the Glenna Cain Distinguished Service Award to Kirke Porterfield

Again, this year was the inclusion of several area sponsors and displays which the approximately 160 Farm Bureau members and guests were able to view prior to the meeting. Belmont County Soil and Water Conservation District provided educational information. Gold Sponsors were D&J Sales & Service Inc, Kirkes’ Homemade Ice Cream, Milestone Company Farm Insurance, and Ohio Hills Health Services. Silver Sponsors included Johnson Insurance Agency, Kemp Insurance a Division of Tuscarawas Insurance Agency, The Cornerstone Group and WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital. Bronze Sponsors were Belmont Mills Inc., Burkhart Nursery, J-Mo Meats, Riesbeck’s Food Markets, Inc., and William Knox, CPA.

Organization Director Miranda Miser stated, “Farm Bureau depends on volunteers to accomplish our goals and policies. Belmont County has dedicated volunteers that carry out numerous community programs.”

Trevor Kirkpatrick, OFBF director of health services, presented Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan information.

Many individuals were recognized during the evening. Outstanding board attendance winners were Mike Burkhart, Laura Gehrig, Richard Johnston, Em Mowrer, Roger Plumly, Frank Shaffer and Martha Winland.  

Passing of the gavel was presented to Em Mowrer by Mike Burkhart.

Thank you to Burkhart Nursery (flowers), Rick Johnston (homemade honey) and the Winland Family (homemade wine) for donating our door prizes.

2025 scholarship recipients
2025 scholarship recipients Payton Dudzik and Ella Pietranton

The mission of Ohio Farm Bureau is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. If you are interested in joining Belmont County Farm Bureau, contact the county office at 740-425-3681.

 

 

 

New and beginning farmers
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.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

New and beginning farmers
Growing Tomorrow Grant
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.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Youth pathways in 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.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
Giving farmers a voice
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.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Select Partner Program
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.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
Advocacy
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.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
Suggested Tags: