Applications for Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans now available
Members have three ways to apply: contacting a certified agent, calling 833-468-4280 or visiting ohiofarmbureauhealthplans.org.
Read MoreJohn Grafton, District 2 representative and current president of the Jefferson County Farm Bureau board of trustees, grew up on a family farm in Pleasant Hill. John and his five siblings (Jim, Harry, Barb, Sam and Dave) graduated from Jefferson Union High School, and John went on to graduate from the Ohio State University in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics. John also did post-graduate work in vocational education at Kent State.
John has been a beekeeper for 53 years and sells his own honey (Grafton’s Apiary) locally at M&M Hardware, Rural King, Jefferson Landmark and at many local festivals and events. John worked for the Ohio Department of Agriculture as an Apiary Inspection Supervisor and after retirement taught agriculture education in the Edison Local School District for five years. He was awarded “Beekeeper of the Year” by the Ohio State Beekeepers in 1993, and was also awarded an “Exceptional Service Award for Outstanding Work in Apiculture Education” by Apiary Inspectors of America in 2010. John is also currently a member of the Jefferson County Fair Board, an elder on the board of the Christian Church of Unionport and a member of the Ohio State Beekeeper’s Association and travels around the state teaching and lecturing on beekeeping.
He and his wife, Katie, live in Salem Township (you can find their house near the big giraffe on 646) and have two kids, Amanda (Grafton) Wood and Clinton Grafton. John can often be seen around the county with his ‘boss’ (granddaughter Isabel).
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.
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.
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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.
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.
Featured Articles
Young Ag Professionals State Committee names new leadership and members
The Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals State Committee has named its 2026 leadership and the individuals who will be serving on the state committee for 2026-2028.
Read More
Apply now for 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation scholarships
The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation has multiple scholarships available to Ohio students from rural, suburban and urban communities who are pursuing degrees with a connection to the agricultural industry.
Read More
Build Smart. Deduct More.
With 100% bonus depreciation now permanent, farmers can deduct the full cost of a new agricultural building in the year it’s placed in service.
Read More
Recent H-2A program impacts aim to steady farm labor costs, needs
A recent state budget fix and a federal rule reform to H-2A have resulted in some relief for farmers who use the guest worker program.
Read More
Legal with Leah: Understanding the Change to Ohio’s Pesticide Law
Ohio Farm Bureau advocated for a change in the law to allow family members and employees to handle pesticides while under the supervision of a licensed applicator. The rules around HB 10 are being finalized.
Read More
2026 Young Ag Professionals award winners announced
Lincoln Deitrick was named the Outstanding Young Farmer, Denver Davis won the Excellence in Agriculture Award, and Margaret Houts won the Discussion Meet.
Read More
Downing named Ohio Farm Bureau finance director of county operations
Michelle Downing of Franklin County has been named finance director of county operations for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read More
Growing our Generation: Ohio Farm Bureau membership value
Remember why you joined Farm Bureau and find others that want to join for the same reasons. ~ Alicia Weaver
Read More
Legal with Leah: Insight on Recent Property Tax Legislation
Four property tax reform bills were signed into Ohio law at the end of 2025. Ohio Farm Bureau Associate General Counsel Leah Curtis breaks down the bills and what the changes mean for Ohioans.
Read More