Ryan Matthews

Ryan Matthews of Leesburg has been named director of communications and media relations for Ohio Farm Bureau. In this role, he will serve as the organization’s primary point of contact for journalists reporting on farm, food, environmental, and public policy issues. He also will contribute content across Farm Bureau’s print and digital channels and will work with Farm Bureau members as they communicate with public officials and consumers. 

Matthews is a proud product of Ohio’s agricultural youth programs, being a former leader of his local 4-H chapter and serving as the 2017-2018 Ohio FFA state president. He also is an alumni of Ag Future of America, served as Collegiate Farm Bureau president during his time at The Ohio State University and is a past Ohio State Fair Land & Living exhibit ambassador. 

Prior to joining Ohio Farm Bureau, Matthews served as a communications specialist for the American Farm Bureau Federation. In his role, he crafted columns, speeches and quotes for executive leadership around key policy issues and advocacy efforts. He also traveled the country with AFBF President Zippy Duvall, providing logistical and executive communications support. 

Matthews graduated from Ohio State in political science and agricultural communications and has a master’s degree in Christian ministries from Liberty University. 

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or [email protected].

Editors: A high-resolution photo of Mr. Matthews is available to accompany this story.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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