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County Farm Bureau leaders from across the Buckeye State were in the nation’s capital March 10-12 for the County Presidents’ Trip to Washington, D.C. The annual trip is another step in Ohio Farm Bureau’s grassroots advocacy process that kicked off Feb.18 with Ag Day at the Capital in Columbus.

Over three days, participants were briefed by American Farm Bureau on issues that Ohio farmers are currently facing, heard from congressional and administrative leadership, spent time at embassies and traveled to Capitol Hill to talked directly with their lawmakers about the challenges facing their farms and rural communities.

Tuesday, March 10

The 2026 trip kicked off Tuesday in Washington, D.C. The jam-packed day included policy briefings from American Farm Bureau experts, including year-round E15, data centers, trade, water quality and the urgent need for a new farm bill.

“The government is coming at us fast, and it’s hard to get a foothold on all of the changes happening at the federal level from day to day,” said Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson. “That is the beauty of what this trip is all about as we help our lawmakers understand how the decisions they make matter and share with them exactly where we stand for the issues that directly impact our way of life.”

Tomorrow morning, the group will host Sen. Bernie Moreno and American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall for breakfast, and then take to the halls of Congress to share OFBF priorities and the stories of their farms with lawmakers.

Wednesday, March 11

Ohio Farm Bureau members started off the day hearing from American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and Sen. Bernie Moreno at the Capitol Hill Club. President Duvall highlighted many of the organization’s priorities such as the farm bill and year-round E15, while emphasizing the strongest tool we have is our member stories and why it matters on the home front.

“Here in Washington, your Farm Bureau team helps till the soil, but it’s your stories and relationships with lawmakers that harvests the crop of change,” Duvall said.

After the breakfast program, county Farm Bureau leaders took to Capitol Hill, meeting with their legislators and staff to emphasize the need of OFBF priorities.

Later in the afternoon, members heard from leaders with the National Association of County Officials and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Tomorrow includes a visit the European Union and the Australian Embassy to talk about global agriculture and international relationships.

Thursday, March 12

The group started their final day with visits to the European Union Embassy and Australian Embassy, learning about the nations’ agriculture, trade relations and how many of their farmers face similar challenges to those in the United States. Many members walked away with a stronger understanding of agriculture on a global scale and why maintaining relationships with our international partners is not just critical for markets but also the betterment of the world’s supply chain.

The trip wrapped up with remarks from Sen. John Husted. He talked on the importance of agriculture in Ohio and how he is working alongside Sen. Moreno to advocate for farmers and rural communities in the U.S. Senate.

“After three days here in D.C., learning and sharing our stories, I know a lot of us are excited to keep up the tempo back home to ensure our policymakers, our neighbors and the general public understand the many challenges facing our farms, and help us get policy moved quickly across the finish line,” said Ryan Mohr, Van Wert County Farm Bureau president.

Ohio Farm Bureau is a grassroots membership organization that is committed to supporting Ohio’s farm and food community. Follow this post as well as Ohio Farm Bureau on Facebook for ongoing updates from the trip.

Online extra

Here is additional coverage from the media members accompanying Ohio Farm Bureau on the trip.

Personal Stories Push Farm Policy Across the Finish Line

Fertilizer concerns added to list of policy work in DC

Pike County Farm Bureau Public Policy Chair Dan Corcoran on policy priorities 

Farm bill uncertainty continues to frustrate OFBF and farmers

Farm Bureau stresses importance of USMCA to U.S. agriculture

Fertilizer availability questioned as tensions ramp up in Iran

OFBF voicing concerns about data center development and rising energy needs

Farm bill uncertainty continues to frustrate OFBF and farmers

Ohio Farm Bureau visits D.C. to lobby for new farm bill

From Ohio to D.C.: Delivering the message for agriculture

Midterm elections, Iran conflict could create opportunities and challenges for year-round E-15

Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep 435 – Ohioans Leading the Way in DC

Feature photo by Praneeth Koduru