Ohio Farm Bureau President Frank Burkett III welcomed delegates to the 99th annual meeting with an opening address that both inspired and challenged the members gathered in Columbus in December.

One of the biggest changes facing the organization involves the sale of memberships. Burkett encouraged members attending the meeting to think beyond memberships for other sources of income.

“We own membership,” Burkett said, noting that Nationwide is no longer selling Farm Bureau memberships. “‘We’ means you and I as members, and our amazing staff. These changes allow us to concentrate on our core while retaining and engaging supporting members in our surrounding communities.”

Nationwide remains Farm Bureau’s most important partner, Burkett said. Nationwide will continue to offer numerous benefits to Farm Bureau’s active members.

Burkett highlighted several accomplishments of Farm Bureau over the past year, including policy wins such as legislative reform to the Current Agricultural Use Value formula which saves landowners 30 percent more on average, and American Farm Bureau’s seven Counties of Excellence Award winners from Ohio.

He also touched on Farm Bureau’s strategic plan, which will guide the organization through 2020 and beyond.

“I am confident as we approach the celebration of our centennial next year, our strategic plan will position your Farm Bureau to serve generations to come and the communities you surround.”

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
Farm Bureau connections
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
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.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
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

Bringing the farm back to life
Farm Bureau involvement
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.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
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

Select Partner Program
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

Advocacy
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