Article

Richland County Farm Bureau met twice this fall to prepare the organization for the upcoming year and a strong future. The annual business meeting was held Sept. 7, with Richland County Soil and Water Conservation District’s Annual Celebration at the Kehoe Center in Shelby. Richland County Farm Bureau trustee and delegate elections were held and members voted on public policies. Linda Fackler and Tim Johnson were elected to a three-year term on the board. Fred Cooke and Loren Hulit were elected as 2024 OFBF annual meeting delegates.

It was a very special evening to celebrate Richland Soil & Water’s 75th anniversary and being named Ohio’s Soil & Water Conservation District of the Year. The keynote speaker was Reverend Paul Lintern, who provided a special, entertaining history lesson on people and things that are 75 years old. Erica Thomas, director for the Richland County SWCD spoke about projects, impact and accomplishments. She then recognized the Richland County SWCD Cooperator of the Year, Bill Flanagan and the Volunteer of the Year, Leonard Fox. Brian Alt and Greg Timberlake will serve three-year terms as Richland County SWCD board supervisors beginning in January.

At the Richland County Farm Bureau board reorganization meeting, officers were elected and program planning began. Look for exciting local projects and activity to connect food and farming and strengthen our community as well as statewide initiatives to assist farmers to advance agriculture and create a favorable environment for farm business.

Your 2023-2024 Farm Bureau Trustees are Dale Hulit, president; Tim Johnson, vice-president; Kelly Staley, secretary; Loren Hulit, treasurer; Brian Alt; Fred Cooke and Linda Fackler.

In Richland County, Farm Bureau looks for ways to impact and improve the community. We strive to keep strong relationships with elected officials so that rural interests are not neglected when rules are being made. We want consumers to have reliable source of information as well as access to wholesome foods.

Above all, the county Farm Bureau Board of Trustees is the very heart and strength of the organization. Locally there are 12 trustee seats on the board. Members, or their spouses, whose dues are paid, are eligible for the office of trustee. All trustees must live, work, or have an active agricultural interest in the county.

There are five open seats on the Richland County Farm Bureau board. Trustees are asked to attend board meetings, serve on committees with other volunteers and help direct the work of the county Farm Bureau.

If you’d like more information about Farm Bureau, or better still you’d like to serve as a trustee or help with some of our projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact one of the county trustees, or contact the county office at (419) 747-7488 or [email protected].

For details of programs throughout the year, follow Richland County Farm Bureau on Facebook or bookmark this webpage.