As part of celebrating National Ag Week, Geauga County Farm Bureau purchased a Fertilizer Fun Box through Nutrients for Life Foundation to give sixth-grade students the chance to dig into soil science. This year’s Fertilizer Fun Box was donated to Ms. Amy Hochschild’s class at Burton Elementary.

Each Fertilizer Fun Box contains multiple hands-on educational soil science activities that focus on the importance of soil, fertilizer and the 4R stewardship efforts of farmers. Educators receive classroom sets of Nutrients for Life resources, lab materials to aid in the completion of NPK testing, soil porosity and permeability as well as regional soil samples, and an introduction into the life of a 4R advocate.

“I’m so excited to receive this for my classroom,”  Hochschild said, who was referred to as the Mrs. Frizzle of Burton Elementary for all of her energy, passion, and efforts in engaging her students in various creative and fun learning experiences.  Some of those included her creation of a land lab at the former Claridon Elementary School, coordinating Burton Elementary School’s 6th Grade Camp, serving as the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.) Club advisor at the school with more than 50 participants, in addition to being the Science Olympiad advisor as well.

To further align with the district’s commitment to Project Based Learning,  Hochschild has even developed a hands-on soil unit, where students will work with local farmers and community members to improve soil quality in the area. In 2019, Hochschild was recognized as Ohio Conservation Teacher of the Year in the elementary category by the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Photo: L to R: Katie Nainiger, H2Know Watershed Coordinator, Nutrients for Life Foundation; Amy Hochschild, Burton Elementary Teacher; Mandy Orahood, Geauga County Farm Bureau Organization Director; and Kristen Sirna, Geauga County Farm Bureau board trustee.
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
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Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
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Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
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.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
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Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
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.
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Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
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.
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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
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.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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