2020 Election

The grassroots tradition of Ohio Farm Bureau members engaging with candidates seeking to fill open seats within the General Assembly continued to be a successful process, even as members and candidates adapted to the virtual screenings needed during a pandemic. Members were tasked with finding new ways to review their current representatives as part of the incumbent Friend of Agriculture process, while also screening new candidates seeking office. 

The Friend of Agriculture designations were announced in the 2020 Farm Bureau AGGPAC Election Guide, included in the September/October issue of Our Ohio magazine.

Ohio Farm Bureau Friend of Ag designations held true to their history of successful indicators, with a 96% success rate for all legislative candidates named an Friend of Ag in the 2020 General Election.

The open seat candidates members screened saw a 90% success rate in their races, while even greater success for farm-friendly candidates was seen among the incumbents of the General Assembly, with 97% of those candidates retaining their seats. 

In the race for the two seats on the Ohio Supreme Court, incumbent and Friend of Ag candidate Sharon Kennedy emerged successful, while Judi French, also an incumbent and Friend of Ag, lost her seat to former Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. 

As a bi-partisan organization dedicated to serving the best interests of farm families throughout Ohio, Farm Bureau looks forward to members being able to continue to develop strong relationships with their elected officials. As traditions go, there are few as time-tested as Ohio Farm Bureau members working closely with their leaders to shape agricultural policy in the Buckeye State.

Farm Bureau connections
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
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

Giving farmers a voice
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
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

Bringing the farm back to life
Farm Bureau involvement
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
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

Select Partner Program
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

Advocacy
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