Marion and Morrow counties Ohio

Ohio Farm Bureau is calling on members, landowners and rural residents to make their voice heard as the Ohio Department of Transportation evaluates a potential connector between U.S. 23 and Interstate 71.

The state-required feasibility study has narrowed potential routes to three options in Marion and Morrow counties. And while still hypothetical, the proposal raises significant concerns about farmland loss, impacts to rural communities and overall costs to taxpayers.

Ohio Farm Bureau, alongside the respective county Farm Bureaus, has submitted comments to ODOT highlighting these concerns and emphasized that “feasibility” must go beyond whether a project can be built to determine if it should be constructed. The organization also highlighted the agency’s 2025 study that identified 33 needed improvements along U.S. 23 and urged that those projects be prioritized.

ODOT is accepting public comments through April 14, and Ohio Farm Bureau is encouraging anyone who may be impacted or concerned to share feedback during this critical stage of the process.

To assist, the organization has developed an email template that can be personalized and sent directly to ODOT, sharing how the connector may affect individual farms, businesses or communities. The template can be found at ofb.ag/23connectorstudy and any additional questions can be directed to [email protected].

Make your voice heard in Ohio Farm Bureau

Advocacy efforts like this are a part of Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission to ensure agriculture has a strong, unified voice when critical decisions are on the table. As a member-led organization, Ohio Farm Bureau works through advocacy initiatives, member engagement and leadership development to support the interests of rural communities and preserve farmland for the next generation. For more information on becoming a member, visit ohiofarmbureau.org.

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

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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