2026 Lake County Annual Meeting

Lake County Farm Bureau held its 2026 Annual Meeting on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at the Lake County Fair Community Building in Painesville.  President Steve Ohmes presided over the evening, welcoming 60 members, local officials, and guests.  Dinner was provided by Ang’s Smoke BBQ.

Representatives from the Ohio Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health joined virtually to discuss upcoming mandatory RFID species tagging requirements taking effect Jan. 1, 2027. The presentation covered:

  • How the 2027 rule change impacts local livestock operations.
  • Information on ODA’s RFID reader loan program for county fairs, markets, and slaughter facilities, followed by a live Q&A.

Board of Trustees were voted on and elected for a two-year term. Those elected were Donald Jacobson Jr., Steve Ohmes, Kevin Rowan and Don Jacobson. Chip Brown and Charlie Brown were elected to serve as delegates for the Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in 2027, with Don Jacobson and Anne Poorman as the alternates.

Farm Bureau members voted on local policies that guide our county Farm Bureau and established policy positions for submission to the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. State delegates will vote on these proposals at the 2026 OFBF Annual Meeting in Columbus, Dec. 10–11.  Adopted policies and discussion topics included:

  • Land Use & Energy: Responsible land use, data center development, and wind/solar energy regulations.
  • Farmer Resources: Establishing a comprehensive agriculture database to help new, beginning, and experienced farmers locate resources and funding opportunities.
  • Fair Trade & Legislation: Reinstating Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL).
  • Community & Local Issues: Property tax relief, emergency response concerns, and expanded healthcare/insurance coverage in rural areas.

Organization Director Mandy Orahood recognized lawmakers evaluated by our county Farm Bureaus and the Ohio Farm Bureau Agriculture for Good Government Political Action Committee for their strong support of farm families, honoring Representative Dan Troy, Jesse Styles, and Rick Walker- candidates for House District 57- and Congressman David Joyce.

Pictured left to right: Hannah DiVencenzo-OFBF Regional Trustee, Steve Ohmes-Lake County Farm Bureau President, Representative Dan Troy (D23), Jesse Styles-Candidate for Ohio House D57, Rick Walker- Candidate for Ohio House D57, and Bill Patterson-Ohio Farm Bureau President and District Trustee.

Sam Bly presented $3,000 in total scholarships to support local agricultural and higher education pursuits and recognized Kylie Ohmes, recipient of $1,000 represented by her parents,  Paige Lucic, recipient of $1,000 represented by her parents, Marc Ball receiving  $500 in attendance, Audrey Pealer receiving $500 represented by her father, Emma Feckanin receiving $250 represented by her mom, and Macie Wrachford receiving $250 represented by her mom.

 

Pictured left to right: Diane Feckanin, mother of Emma; Sarah & Steve Ohmes, parents of Kylie; Brian Pealer, father of Audrey; Marc Ball; Amy Wrachford, mother of Macie; and Lynne & Steve Lucic, parents of Paige.

Volunteers were recognized for signing new and renewal memberships. Those volunteers who signed 1 new or winback member were:  Donald Jacobson, Sam Bly, Michael Rought, and Steve Ohmes.   The following volunteers were recognized for signing 2 members. They received a custom farm sign: Steve Ohmes (1 new, 1 renew),  Chip Brown (3 renewals),  Eric Cotton (4 renewals),  Anne Poorman (9 renewals), Samantha Bly (3 new, 6 renewals).

We had a Chinese Auction and raised $300 to support Lake County Farm Bureau scholarships.

The annual meeting was also a celebration of the work our members, volunteers, and staff put into representing our Mission Statement: “Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.”

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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