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Meet Richland County’s Vice President, Loren Hulit. Loren was born and raised in Mansfield. His family has always been in some sort of farming from his grandfathers’ small dairy farms to his dad’s grain farm. Loren graduated from Crestview High School in 2010 and was active in various sports, clubs and FFA. After high school, he attended Ohio State University in Columbus. Originally, Loren started in the agricultural engineering program, but after a year he decided he wanted to return home to the farm after college. He then changed his major to agricultural business and applied economics and minored in production agriculture. Loren graduated in 2014. Besides Farm Bureau, Loren is a member of Oakland Lutheran Church.

What and where do you farm or work?

I work part time on our family grain farm and part time as a rural and agriculture real estate appraiser. On our farm we raise corn, soybeans, wheat, hay and beef cattle. Our farm is just northeast of Mansfield.

How long have you been a farmer?

I was born and raised on a farm, so I guess you could say I’ve been a farmer my whole life! I would say it was after high school when I got more serious about farming for a living.

Why did you decide to be a farmer?

I decided to be a farmer because it’s all I’ve ever known. It’s really pleasing to look at the work you’ve done at the end of the day and to watch the crops and animals grow from a small seed or a baby calf.

What do you love about farming?

I love to see all the work I’ve done at the end of the day in the form of a growing field of corn or a field of hay, all baled and stored away.

Why do you think it is important to know where your food comes from?

I think it’s important to know where your food comes from to make sure the food you eat is raised in a healthy, responsible, economical manner.

What is the biggest challenge facing agriculture?

To me the biggest challenges facing agriculture right now are government regulations, land value and taxation, and the increasing capital investments in farm production.

Why are you active in Farm Bureau?

I’m active in Farm Bureau because it’s important to me that farmers have a voice and are able to share their stories with people who don’t know the current challenges farmers are facing.

What is your favorite Farm Bureau event or activity?

I really enjoy our Farmer’s Share Breakfast. It’s always a good chance for our county Farm Bureau to mingle with the community. I also enjoy working the Farm Bureau tent at the county fair. It’s fun quizzing the kids on the trivia wheel and sharing my knowledge in agriculture.

What Farm Bureau programs are you most active in?

This past year I was involved with our membership kickoff program. We had Leah Curtis from Ohio Farm Bureau give a presentation about CAUV and changes Farm Bureau is working to improve.

What are your hobbies besides farming?

My main hobbies outside of farming are woodworking and welding. I love working with my hands and enjoy building about anything! I also enjoy collecting deer antlers, most of which I find in the fields while I’m farming.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I would love to travel to Europe some day. I’m a bit of a history buff, and I’ve always had a fascination with castles, so where else to go other than Europe?!

Stay tuned to meet more of your county Farm Bureau Trustees!