Powerlines

It has become a pretty common occurrence to hear about a new startup, a growing business or a very well established Fortune 500 company choosing Ohio as its headquarters.

That’s great for the state’s economy, but making sure we have the energy resources necessary for these new facilities, data centers and the residential growth that comes with them will be the key to their long-term success in the Buckeye State.

Ironically, as more options for energy generation come online, the reliability of energy in Ohio is at risk. Our most dependable source of energy has recently become our most vulnerable, as earlier this year the Environmental Protection Agency released what experts call an “unrealistic and unachievable” rule targeting emissions from numerous power plants across the country, including one here in Ohio that serves over 1 million people in 77 of Ohio’s 88 counties.

The end result would be devastating for Ohioans – decreasing electricity availability and, in turn, threatening supply and increasing costs for citizens and businesses alike.

Reliable energy isn’t the only thing at risk. As more “green” projects are being considered, the loss of valuable farmland isn’t. Policy created just last year through Ohio Farm Bureau’s grassroots process was adopted by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The policy asks AFBF, considering the difficulties surrounding land use management and preserving farmland, to review federal green energy policy, including commercial solar projects, as it relates to farmland impact and reliable power generation, supply, and grid reliability.

Almost as significant as land to keeping Ohio agriculture strong, farmers need reliable energy of all types to keep wheels turning, gears churning, crops growing, fans blowing and every farm running at optimum capacity to keep farmers, as well as their animals, fruits and vegetables healthy, safe and plentiful.

Adam Sharp, Ohio Farm BureauIn this issue of Our Ohio, we cover energy from every angle. We’ll reveal trends in oil, natural gas, biofuel, wind, and solar markets to help you prepare for the future, and unveil our new Energy and Utility Issues Resource Guide for members, as well as the latest Ag Intelligence Service report with a focus on energy.

With property rights as the baseline for any conversation on the topic, Farm Bureau is supportive of many types of energy generation and use in Ohio and nationally. Political leaders both in Ohio and nationally need to consider the important impacts current energy policies and decisions are having on an affordable and reliable energy supply for Ohio’s farmers, the ag industry, our farmland and our nation’s food security as a whole. If not, Ohio’s bright economic future may short circuit.

New and beginning farmers
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

Growing Tomorrow Grant
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

Bringing the farm back to life
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

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
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

Giving farmers a voice
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

Select Partner Program
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

Advocacy
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

Suggested Tags: