Several of Ohio Farm Bureau’s policy recommendations were adopted by American Farm Bureau at AFBF’s 98th Annual Convention in Phoenix.

Policy recommendations regarding more clarification and review of livestock and poultry health via the FDA’s Veterinary Feed Directive, the use of unmanned aircraft (drones) at night and the establishment of a consistent process for wildlife pest and predator control all made their way into the AFBF policy book because of the efforts of Farm Bureau members.

“It’s exciting to see policies that start with grassroots efforts in Ohio become adopted as AFBF policies that Farm Bureau will advocate for on a national level,” said Adam Sharp, Ohio Farm Bureau executive vice president. “It’s a great reflection of both the tenacity of our members and how well respected Ohio is throughout the nation.”

Other policies adopted by AFBF at the convention included calls for comprehensive regulatory reform, a unified farm bill that includes funding for both nutrition and farm safety net programs, flexibility in the H-2A foreign workers program and protection of proprietary data collected from farmers.

Other Ohio Farm Bureau highlights from Phoenix:

  • Staff and volunteers from Ohio Farm Bureau’s eight County Activities of Excellence winners spoke with convention attendees about their successful local county programming.
  • Shelby County’s Sarah and Aaron Heilers were named among the Top 10 finalists in the Excellence in Agriculture competition. Discussion Meet participant Stephen Caraway of Adams County and Young Farmer contestant Craig Pohlman of Van Wert County represented the Buckeye State in their competitions.
  • Ohio Farm Bureau received six Awards of Excellence for education and outreach; leadership development; member benefits; membership initiatives; policy development and implementation and public relations and communications programs.
  • Ohio received the New Horizon Award for innovative programming, winning for Farm Bureau’s county water quality grants initiative.
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Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
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

Giving farmers a voice
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Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
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Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
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Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
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Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

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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

Select Partner Program
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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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