Earlier this week, Ohio Farm Bureau hosted this year’s annual Midwest Legislative Conference in Sandusky. The event welcomes those involved in public policy from 12 state Farm Bureaus across the region.

“This conference gives us a chance to get together and compare notes to get a feel for all of the issues all of our states are facing and how we can collaborate and coordinate on policy development to address those challenges,” said Brandon Kern, senior director of state and national policy with Ohio Farm Bureau. “We had a great opportunity as hosts to show our perspective on the water quality issue, which all Midwestern states are facing in some way.”

Participants spent some of their visit on research vessels on the waters of South Bass Island and Put-In-Bay in Lake Erie, where they were able to see how water quality was measured and learn about the important work happening at Ohio State University’s Stone Lab and the vast amount of resources it takes to run that facility.

“I think a lot of our guests were really impressed with the partnerships we have built around water quality here in Ohio with university researchers and other important organizations,” Kern said. “Ohio has created a blueprint for success with the creation of the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative, bringing together groups from agriculture, conservation, environmental and academia to work towards the common goal of clean water. Those efforts are working here and can be very beneficial in other parts of the country as well and that is what this conference is all about.”

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

New and beginning farmers
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

Growing Tomorrow Grant
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
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

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
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
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
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
Suggested Tags: