Waters of the US Rule

The U.S. EPA and Army Corps of Engineers announced on Jan. 31 they are withdrawing and rewriting the Waters of the United States rule, a move celebrated by Farm Bureau.

Farm Bureau has fought against the rule since it was proposed in 2015. That version of the rule, according to AFBF President Zippy Duvall, “would have put a stranglehold on ordinary farming and ranching by treating dry ditches, swales and low spots on farm fields just like flowing waters.”

The decision has delayed the effective date of the rule by two years, during which it is expected they will significantly lessen its potential negative impacts on farmers.

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said, “EPA is taking action to reduce confusion and provide certainty to America’s farmers and ranchers.” Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) Ryan Fisher added, “We are committed to transparency as we execute the Clean Water Act Section 404 regulatory program.”

Duvall said, “Without today’s action, countless farmers and ranchers, as well as other landowners and businesses, would risk lawsuits and huge penalties for activities as common and harmless as plowing a field. America’s farmers value clean water as much as anyone, and they work hard every day to protect it. But they deserve clear rules, too.”

Farm Bureau connections
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

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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.
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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.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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