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Ohio Farm Bureau recently recognized two members with the Advocacy in Action Award. This accolade is given to those who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to agricultural advocacy. Recipients, nominated by their peers, embody the spirit of leadership, initiative and commitment to advancing agriculture in Ohio.

The winners of the 2025 Ohio Farm Bureau Advocacy in Action Award are Dr. Sarah Ison of Clermont County and Tim Hesselbrock of Butler County.

“Ohio Farm Bureau’s bread and butter is advocacy on behalf of members,” said Bill Patterson, president of Ohio Farm Bureau. “Through signature events like Ag Day at the Capital and our leadership trips to Washington, D.C., plus grassroots meetings with legislators, making contact with their offices, and hosting farm tours, our success in the policy arena would not happen without our members.”

Ison has built a strong foundation in agricultural policy through her involvement in AgriPOWER, the American Farm Bureau Partners in Advocacy Leadership program, the OFBF state Policy Development Committee and her leadership in Clermont County Farm Bureau. As the owner of Flourish and Roam with her husband, Josh, Ison is a leader in food entrepreneurship, rural infrastructure and small businesses. Most recently, Sarah provided key proponent testimony before the Ohio House and Senate for Farm Bureau Health Plans. She also attended a White House event to highlight ag priorities within the Make America Healthy Again report.

Hesselbrock has spent more than 20 years organizing and facilitating meetings between local farmers, elected officials, and their staff, ensuring Ohio’s small, family-owned farms have a strong voice in the legislative process. These annual legislative meetings serve as a platform for discussing critical issues facing the agricultural community, from policy concerns to regulatory changes. Additionally, Hesselbrock has also been instrumental in educating the broader community about the importance of local agriculture. As a leader of the Butler County Farm Bureau Policy Committee, and having served two terms as county president, he has been a key figure in advancing legislation that supports farmers and promotes the sustainability of small farms. 

The Advocacy in Action Awards were presented at the 107th Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in December.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected].

Editors: A photo of Dr. Ison is available for download.