2025 Belmont County Annual meeting

President Mike Burkhart conducted the Belmont County Farm Bureau 2025 Annual Meeting of members on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at Shady Lane Event Center, Barnesville.  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 2026 Annual Meeting.

Policy issues included injection wells, homestead tax, sewer and septic systems, and several others.

Glenna Cain Distinguished Service Award

County President, Mike Burkhart presented the Glenna Cain Distinguished Service Award to Kirke Porterfield

Again, this year was the inclusion of several area sponsors and displays which the approximately 160 Farm Bureau members and guests were able to view prior to the meeting. Belmont County Soil and Water Conservation District provided educational information. Gold Sponsors were D&J Sales & Service Inc, Kirkes’ Homemade Ice Cream, Milestone Company Farm Insurance, and Ohio Hills Health Services. Silver Sponsors included Johnson Insurance Agency, Kemp Insurance a Division of Tuscarawas Insurance Agency, The Cornerstone Group and WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital. Bronze Sponsors were Belmont Mills Inc., Burkhart Nursery, J-Mo Meats, Riesbeck’s Food Markets, Inc., and William Knox, CPA.

Organization Director Miranda Miser stated, “Farm Bureau depends on volunteers to accomplish our goals and policies. Belmont County has dedicated volunteers that carry out numerous community programs.”

Trevor Kirkpatrick, OFBF director of health services, presented Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan information.

Many individuals were recognized during the evening. Outstanding board attendance winners were Mike Burkhart, Laura Gehrig, Richard Johnston, Em Mowrer, Roger Plumly, Frank Shaffer and Martha Winland.  

Passing of the gavel was presented to Em Mowrer by Mike Burkhart.

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

2025 scholarship recipients
2025 scholarship recipients Payton Dudzik and Ella Pietranton

The mission of Ohio Farm Bureau is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. If you are interested in joining Belmont County Farm Bureau, contact the county office at 740-425-3681.

 

 

 

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Ryanna Tietje

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Matt Aultman

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Gretchan Francis

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Hannah Kiser

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Chad Ruhl

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Mary Smallsreed

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