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Growing our Generation enewsletter features insights and ideas directly from Ohio’s young farmers and food and agricultural professionals. Sign up to get this e-letter sent directly to your inbox once a month.

“I’m only one vote; my vote won’t matter.”

Have you ever heard someone say this when it comes to voting in elections? While voting may seem big or far-fetched that one vote can make a difference, one vote in a grassroots organization such as Ohio Farm Bureau can make all the difference.  

Ryan Hiser, an active Fayette County Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professional and grain farmer, has experienced first-hand the importance of having the opportunity to vote on issues that will affect his family operation and other farmers. 

About Ryan

After high school I attended The Ohio State University at ATI in Wooster and later in Columbus on the main campus where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness with a minor in Agronomy. My family operates a row crop grain operation that is located in Fayette and Greene counties raising corn, soybeans and wheat. My position on the farm is a jack of all trades: equipment operator, general labor, semi-skilled mechanic, semi-truck driver, and GPS data manager.

The role of a delegate

Each annual meeting delegate represents their county in determining the state and federal policies that Farm Bureau stands for. There is a review, opportunity for debate, and vote on any new stated policy. These policies are created and reviewed by the policy committee with local involvement from every single county. There is also opportunity to create or amend policies from the floor, allowing changes to be made and new ideas to prosper.

Importance of grassroots policy

Grassroots policy is incredibly effective. We create policy to address current and future issues that can have serious complexities and repercussions throughout the entire industry. Issues that affect our operation are CAUV, farmland preservation and solar development. It is not top-down. It starts at the local level with real farmers, with real problems that need real solutions. 

Why get involved?

There is a wide-range of knowledge, skills, friendships, and opportunities to gain from involvement in Farm Bureau. Any organization like this one needs fresh new ideas and input to thrive and survive. Serving your county in this capacity will give you the reputation of being someone who stands up for agriculture. It sounds cliche, but you will get out of this organization what you put into it. Why not try to make a difference? 

Take that first step

Not sure where to start? Kick off the new year by attending the Winter Leadership Experience Jan. 23-24 at Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark! Network with like-minded individuals and hear from industry experts on issues affecting Ohio agriculture. Together we can make a difference. 

Registration closes Jan. 6.