Applications for Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans now available
Members have three ways to apply: contacting a certified agent, calling 833-468-4280 or visiting ohiofarmbureauhealthplans.org.
Read More
The building, the office and the desk of the U.S. Department of Agriculture secretary may not have changed all that much over the past four years, but the challenges facing America’s farmers certainly have. Those challenges are now in the hands of the 32nd Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, who just so happens to have been the 30th leader of USDA under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017.
Vilsack was confirmed to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Feb. 23 by a Senate vote of 92-7.
“Mr. Vilsack’s previous experience as secretary of agriculture gives him a unique advantage in understanding the complexities of the agriculture sector,” said Ohio Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Adam Sharp. “Farm Bureau has a well-established and long-standing relationship with Secretary Vilsack and we look forward to building on that relationship to support farmers and rural America.”
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and Secretary Vilsack have spoken several times in recent weeks about opportunities and challenges facing America’s farmers and ranchers. In their conversations, they covered the need to overcome obstacles created by the COVID-19 pandemic, resuming the CARES Act programs and continuing to build on advances made in trade.
“We must move forward on the successes made in climate-smart practices while seeking partnerships to ensure new environmental policies remain market-based and voluntary,” Duvall said. “We also recognize the importance of strengthening the farm bill and bringing broadband to every community in America. We stand ready to work with Secretary Vilsack and USDA on issues that benefit this nation’s farmers and ranchers – his success means rural America’s success.”
Photo credit: USDA Photo by Lance Cheung
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.
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.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through 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.
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.
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.
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.
Featured Articles
Applications open for 2027 YAP competitive events
Ohio Farm Bureau is accepting applications for the Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture, and Outstanding Young Farmer 2027 contests.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau, partners purchase 2026 Grand Champion Market Barrow
At the 2026 Sale of Champions, Ohio Farm Bureau, along with partners Bob Evans Farms and Nationwide, purchased the Grand Champion Market Barrow exhibited by Parker Elchinger of Henry County.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau, local farmers encourage Ohio-grown produce
Ohio Farm Bureau and the Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association are encouraging Ohioans to support local fruit and vegetable growers while following recommended food safety practices.
Read More
Growing our Generation: Choosing conservation
Meet Hannah Ziegler, nutrient management technician and social media content creator for Crawford and Wyandot Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau applauds Ohio EPA decision to maintain permitting process for data centers
Ohio Farm Bureau supports responsible economic development and will continue to advocate for policies that protect Ohio’s water resources, farmland and rural communities.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast: The future of USMCA
Dr. Ian Sheldon joins the podcast to explain the history of USMCA, what recent decisions mean for the agreement and why its future matters for Ohio agriculture.
Read More
New imAGine Ag exhibit to debut at 2026 Ohio State Fair
Ohio Farm Bureau is proud to soon welcome visitors to the new imAGine Ag exhibit premiering at the 2026 Ohio State Fair.
Read More
Six important summer farm safety reminders
Every job on the farm is important, but making it home safely is the most important. Making safety part of every task, prevents injuries, reduces downtime, and keeps your operation moving forward all season.
Read More
Legal with Leah: Understanding Ohio’s 2026 CAUV Update
The 2026 Current Agricultural Use Value update brings lower values in many reappraisal counties and a significant policy win on permanent pasture.
Read More