Ohio Agriculture and Rural Communities Action Plan

America’s farmers and ranchers are in crisis. 

Falling crop prices, skyrocketing input costs and trade uncertainty have pushed many farms to the brink, threatening our food security and the future of U.S. agriculture. 

Why it matters: Across the country, farms are disappearing as families close the gates on land tended by generations before them. More than half of U.S. farms now lose money each year. Every farm lost means fewer jobs, weaker rural economies and greater dependence on foreign supply chains.

What’s happening: The American Farm Bureau Federation has urged President Trump and Congress to take immediate steps to stabilize and strengthen the farm economy. The American Farm Bureau Federation is calling for bridge payments before the end of 2025 to help farmers weather this economic storm while long-term reforms take shape. 

American Farm Bureau has issued an Action Alert and Ohio Farm Bureau is urging Farm Bureau members to contact their member of Congress, asking them to stabilize and strengthen the farm economy.

American Farm Bureau Federation is calling for swift action to:
  • Authorize bridge payments to provide short-term relief.
  • Enforce fair trade agreements and restore reliable market access.
  • Reconsider beef imports that could threaten America’s food independence.
  • Support biofuels with year-round sales of E15 and other renewable fuels.
  • Restore whole milk in schools to strengthen U.S. dairy demand.
  • Protect interstate commerce from conflicting state regulations.
  • Investigate agricultural input pricing to ensure transparency and fairness.
  • Prioritize American-grown fruits and vegetables in federal purchasing programs.

 

Take Action

 

Act now: Urge President Trump and Congress to act before the end of 2025 to provide immediate relief and long-term stability for America’s farmers and ranchers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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