2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee

Twenty leaders have been named to the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Policy Development Committee. The committee collects and organizes public policy recommendations from county Farm Bureaus and presents the final policy suggestions to be voted on by Ohio Farm Bureau delegates during the state annual meeting in December.

In its initial session, the committee heard from subject matter experts and Farm Bureau staff on topics such as property taxes, land use, data centers, livestock management and electricity availability.

The policy committee consists of 10 members from Ohio Farm Bureau’s board of trustees and 10 county Farm Bureau members.

The committee is chaired by Ohio Farm Bureau First Vice President Cy Prettyman of New Bloomington and includes OFBF President Bill Patterson of Chesterland and OFBF Treasurer Adele Flynn of Wellington. Other state trustees on the committee are John Bolte of Tiffin, Evan Davis of Leesburg, Todd Davis of Carrollton, Al Miller of Marietta, Matt Schmerge of Botkins, Gary Truance of Vinton and Greg Williams of Lucasville. 

County Farm Bureau representatives are Jonathan Collins of Warren County, Denver Davis of Auglaize County, David Fischbach of Putnam County, Greg McGlinch of Darke County, Blake Metzger of Pickaway County,  William Ray of Noble County, Marsha Stanhope of Trumbull County, Andrew Stiegler of Muskingum County, Kevin Ungerer of Wayne County, and Duayne Wetherell of Jefferson County.

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 Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected].

Editors: A high-resolution photo of the 2026 policy development committee is available for download.

 

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

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