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In mid-September, more than 100 Ohio Farm Bureau members, including Greene County Farm Bureau President Katrina Swinehart-Held, traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit face-to-face with lawmakers about issues that could have major implications for Farm Bureau members across Ohio.

This year’s trip to the nation’s capital included county Farm Bureau presidents and vice presidents along with Ohio Farm Bureau Young Ag Professionals and members of the AgriPOWER Class XIII leadership institute

“To have over 100 Ohio Farm Bureau members, all diverse in their roles in Ohio agriculture, come together to meet with legislators in Washington D.C. is what our organization is all about,” said Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson. “We had a lot to discuss as we visited the Hill, and we always appreciate the opportunity to make our voices heard on behalf of all of our members across Ohio.”

Topics covered during Swinehart-Held’s visit with Congressman Mike Turner on Capitol Hill included the 2023 Farm Bill, operational costs associated with inflation and supply chain breakdowns, climate change, and impacts of EPA limiting agriculture technology approvals.

Swinehart-Held said, “During the trip, we had the chance to connect with a legislative aide from Congressman Turner’s office to inform him about issues that are important to farmers and those working in the agriculture industry in Greene County. Providing specific instances of impact, positive and negative, from legislative choices made in DC do have impacts on their constituents. It also encourages the legislators to want to engage more with the Farm Bureau.”

Ohio Farm Bureau leaders also heard from both of Ohio’s U.S. Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown, as well as many members of Congress during a Farm Forum, hosted by Congressman Bob Gibbs (OH-07) and Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12).

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.