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President Mike Burkhart conducted the Belmont County Farm Bureau 2024 Annual Meeting of members on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at The Market at Ebbert Farms, St. Clairsville.  At this meeting, the members voted on proposed policies, code of regulations and selected trustees for the Board of Trustees as well as delegates to Ohio Farm Bureau 2025 Annual Meeting.

Policy issues included closing of old water wells, environmental court, veterans’ services and several others.

Again, this year was the inclusion of several area sponsors and displays which nearly 140 Farm Bureau members and guests were able to view prior to the meeting. Belmont County SWCD provided educational information. Gold Sponsors were Ag Pro, Kirkes’ Homemade Ice Cream, Milestone Company Farm Insurance, The Cornerstone Group, and Ohio Hills Health Services. Silver Sponsors included, Bridgeport Equipment & Tool Rentals, D&J Sales & Service Inc, Johnson Insurance Agency, and WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital. Bronze Sponsor were Belmont Mills Inc., Burkhart Nursery, J-Mo Meats, Riesbeck’s Food Markets, Inc., William Knox, CPA, and Woodsfield Savings Bank.

Senior Organization Director Betsy Anderson said, “Farm Bureau depends on volunteers to accomplish our goals and policies.  Belmont County has dedicated volunteers that carry out numerous community programs.”

Dale Arnold, OFBF Director of Energy, presented “Doing Your Homework: Solar & Renewable Technology for Onsite Use.”

Many individuals were recognized during the evening. Outstanding board attendance recipients were: Mike Burkhart, Alex Davidson, Richard Johnston, Roger Plumly, Frank Shaffer, Amanda Wharton, and Rusty Winland.  Art and Sandy Monahan received the Glenna Cain Distinguished Service Award for their dedication over many years to Belmont County Farm Bureau. State Rep. Don Jones was recognized as a Friend of Agriculture.

Thank you to Burkhart Nursery (flowers), Rick Johnston (homemade honey) and the Winland Family (homemade wine) for donating our door prizes.