2026 Belmont County annual meeting

Belmont County Farm Bureau held its 2026 annual meeting of members on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at the Wise Building, Belmont County Fairgrounds, St. Clairsville, led by County Farm Bureau President Em Mowrer.

During the business session, members voted on proposed policies and elected trustees to the county board, as well as delegates to represent the county at the 2027 Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

Prior to the business session, dinner was catered by Nancy Z’s Catering. Key policy discussions focused on local, state and national agricultural issues, including injection wells, water and sewage expansion, property taxes and several others.

Again, this year was the inclusion of several area sponsors and displays which the approximate 135 Farm Bureau members and guests were able to view prior to the meeting. Belmont County SWCD provided educational information. Gold Sponsors were Ascent Resources, D&J Sales & Service Inc, Dutton Land & Cattle Company, Kirkes’ Homemade Ice Cream, and Ohio Hills Health Centers. Silver Sponsors included, Johnson Insurance Agency, Kemp Insurance a Division of Tuscarawas Insurance Agency, WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital, and Zion Retreat. Bronze Sponsor were American Legion Post 168, Belmont Mills Inc., Burkhart Nursery, J-Mo Meats, Joe’s Tire, Riesbeck’s Food Markets, Inc., and Woodsfield Savings Bank.

Organization Director Miranda Miser stated, “Farm Bureau depends on volunteers to accomplish our goals and policies. Belmont County has dedicated volunteers that carry out numerous community programs.”

Leah Curtis, Associate General Counsel for Ohio Farm Bureau presented on property taxes.

Outstanding board attendance winners were Richard Johnston, Em Mowrer, and Frank Shaffer.

President Em Mowrer presented the Glenna Cain Distinguished Service Award to Leroy Carpenter for his dedication over many years to Belmont County Farm Bureau. 

2026 Scholarship recipients Lydia Fuchs and Breanne Workman were recognized.

Thank you to Burkhart Nursery (flowers), Rick Johnston (homemade honey), Em Mowrer (homemade honey), Gordon Price (wine) and the Winland Family (vegetable baskets) for donating our door prizes.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.

If you are interested in joining Belmont County Farm Bureau or learning more about local advocacy, please contact the county office at 740-425-3681 or by email [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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