2025 Ohio Farm Bureau Impact: By the Numbers
This 2025 By The Numbers report shares some of the public policy achievements and member programs that deliver value to all Ohio Farm Bureau members.
Read More
Every year, county Farm Bureaus across the nation are given the opportunity to submit their unique, volunteer-driven county programming for the County Activities of Excellence awards from American Farm Bureau.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of serving as the American Farm Bureau president is getting the chance to witness firsthand the remarkable things our members are doing within their communities,” said Zippy Duvall, AFBF President. “I have come to learn, starting with my own Farm Bureau journey, that the spirit of community and innovation helps drive our organization at the local level. Our grassroots leaders are constantly raising the bar and finding new ways to show up and support their communities.”
Each Ohio CAE project winner will showcase their programming during the annual trade show at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention Jan. 9-14 in Anaheim, California.
Projects for the CAE awards are categorized in the following areas: education and ag promotion, member services, public relations and information, leadership development and policy implementation and safety.
The following counties and projects were Ohio CAE award winners:
Ashtabula County: Feed a Farmer – Harvest of Hope
The vision for this program was to deliver snack bags to local farmers directly to the field or through the local cooperatives to make sure farmers know that Ohio Farm Bureau supports their hard work and long hours during the harvest season and to provide mental health resources for the stressful days on and off the farm.
Auglaize County: Mission – Discovery
This event was not a traditional career fair hiring event but an opportunity for local students to learn more about seven different career areas, including agriculture. Taking a hands-on, demonstration approach, students were able to explore in-demand careers in agriculture and learn what steps would be necessary to pursue those careers after high school.
Columbiana County: Show and Tell at the Fair
The idea for “Show and Tell at the Fair” emerged from repeated conversations with parents whose children are active in sports, school activities and 4-H or FFA projects. These discussions revealed a need to bridge the gap in understanding between school district educators and coaches and the students’ commitment to agricultural projects. In addition to increasing awareness, the event also addressed the growing need for agricultural workers by equipping educators with resources to share with students.
Hancock County: Meals for Mom – A Mother’s Day Treat (feature photo)
Women play a vital role in agriculture, often handling the behind-the-scenes responsibilities of the farming operations. A special celebration for all mothers during Mother’s Day weekend was held, providing complimentary field meals to members and their families.
Marion and Morrow counties: Ag Tire Recycling Day
In an attempt to address the issue of tire littering and hoarding in rural areas, Marion and Morrow County Farm Bureaus joined forces with the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the regional Solid Waste District and Ohio State University Extension offices to host an ag tire recycling day. The idea for this event was to provide a local, cost efficient recycling solution for the community.
Mercer County: Northwest Ohio Ag in the Classroom
This program was designed to provide educational tools for K-4 teachers to ensure they are well-equipped to include agricultural topics in their curriculum throughout the year and provide them with resources for farm field trips to introduce kids to agriculture.
Richland County: Cultivating Minds
The project provided three agricultural and environmental literacy kits to each elementary school in the county and the county public library to teach youth about agriculture, food and natural resources. Supplying kits to the public library gave homeschooled children and other civic groups, like scouts and 4-H clubs, access to the lessons and materials.
Seneca County: Reindeer Farm Christmas Experience
An interactive, agricultural educational Christmas experience came to life giving families the opportunity to feed live reindeer with different grains, milk a cow while learning about the dairy industry and learn about agriculture through a reading of the American Farm Bureau Foundation’s award-winning book, “Barn at Night.”
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.
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.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through 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.
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.
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.
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.
Featured Articles
What can Farm Bureau do for you?
Your Farm Bureau membership offers more than you realize. The next time you visit ofbf.org, take a peek at the resources, services and savings in the member benefits section.
Read More
We asked, you answered: Membership origin stories
We asked members to tell us how, when and why they became members of Ohio Farm Bureau. Here are their stories.
Read More
From Montana to Ohio, Farm Bureau as a common thread
Wherever a farmer or rancher goes, Farm Bureau is there. ~ Gary Heibertshausen, Brown County Farm Bureau member.
Read More
Advocacy from the compost pile
Nate Andre works to educate officials and shape composting regulations, by hosting state and federal leaders, health departments and EPA officials on his farm. He’s been a Farm Bureau member since 1973.
Read More
Creative partnerships: Connecting with community
Creative partnerships between farmers and the surrounding community are vital to building relationships, and in some cases Ohio Farm Bureau memberships.
Read More
Nationwide News: Protect your farm from severe winter weather hazards
Plan ahead, be attentive to changing weather and be ready to act when severe winter conditions endanger health and safety.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation at the core of opportunities for growth
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation supports career development for current members and helps young people find their path in agriculture.
Read More
Nine Ohio counties rewarded for innovative programming
Our grassroots leaders are constantly raising the bar and finding new ways to show up and support their communities. ~ Zippy Duvall
Read More
Energy program provides savings, peace of mind
One of the best decisions Shannon and Heather Utter made a few years ago was looking into a Farm Bureau member benefit that has ended up saving them thousands of dollars on their energy bills.
Read More