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Growing our Generation enewsletter features insights and ideas directly from Ohio’s young farmers and food and agricultural professionals. Sign up to get this e-letter sent directly to your inbox once a month.

Traditionally, the August edition of Growing our Generation has been about new technology initiatives, leading up to Farm Science Review that is held in September. This year, we are keeping the “new initiative” concept but instead of introducing new technology, we are introducing Farm Bureau Health Plans, a new member benefit that will be available this fall! 

Ohio Farm Bureau public policy staff, state board, and members took an all-hands-on-deck approach to advocacy to achieve policy goals in rural health and wellness. Introduced by Sen. Susan Manchester Feb. 11 as Senate Bill 100, Gov. Mike DeWine signed the bill into law July 2, 2025, and a ceremonial signing was held at the 2025 Ohio State Fair.

About Farm Bureau Health Plans 

Farm Bureau Health Plans offer members access to affordable, personalized health care plans, particularly those who are under the age of 65 and do not have access to health coverage. These plans provide other options for those who are uninsured or underinsured due to high costs and limited options in the marketplace.

Next steps 

With the passing of SB 100, it is full speed ahead to launch Farm Bureau Health Plans for individuals and families this fall. Ohio Farm Bureau is working hard to have the new policies available in October. Fill out this form to be notified when the plans are ready.

Ohio Farm Bureau is excited to offer Farm Bureau Health plans a new option for members. The current Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan (HBP) will continue to remain a flexible health coverage option specifically designed for sole proprietors and small businesses in Ohio’s agricultural economic sector. This program will be unchanged by the addition of the Farm Bureau Health Plans. The new Farm Bureau Health Plans will be a second option for our members if they are eligible, specifically for individuals and families. 

Ohio Farm Bureau prepared this FAQ, which will answer many questions.

Health Plans webinars

Learn more about Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans at an upcoming webinar. (Each webinar will consist of the same content.) Billy Fields, director of state alliance operations at Farm Bureau Health Plans, will give more context to the plans and answer any questions. All webinars begin at 6 p.m. and will last one hour. Register for the webinars using the following links:

Sept. 30 Registration 

Oct. 28 Registration

Nov. 25 Registration

Questions about health plans to be answered on the webinar may be submitted ahead of time.

What else is new at Ohio Farm Bureau? 

The State YAP Committee will be hosting a “Connect and Grow” virtual call Sept. 3 at 8 p.m.for anyone interested in starting or engaging a local YAP group. The call will feature special guest, Coach Kiah, the 2026 Winter Leadership Experience Keynote Speaker! One lucky participant will be drawn for a free WLE registration! Click here to register for the virtual call.

Come check out the Ohio Farm Bureau building at Farm Science Review Sept. 16-18 at the Molly Caren Ag Center in London, Ohio. The building is located at the corner of Beef St. and Friday Ave. 

Applications for the 2026 YAP Competitive Contests are open! Click here to learn more about each contest or to apply. Deadlines: Discussion Meet: Oct. 1, Outstanding Young Farmer and Excellence in Agriculture: Dec. 1.  

Registration is open for the 2026 Winter Leadership Experience that will be held Jan. 23-24 at Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark, Ohio! Get ready to sow the seeds of possibility and reap big rewards by Harvesting New Horizons at the Winter Leadership Experience. Whether you’re building your brand, expanding the family farm, or exploring new frontiers in agribusiness, this is your moment to grow. Learn more and register