Friday, Dec. 7:

OFBF President Frank Burkett III and Executive Vice President Adam Sharp presented the membership and county awards at the Delegate Lunch Dec. 7.
OFBF President Frank Burkett III and Executive Vice President Adam Sharp presented the membership and county awards at the Delegate Lunch Dec. 7.

Ohio Farm Bureau Board of Trustee elections were held early on the last day of the OFBF 100th Annual Meeting. Two new trustees were elected, along with several trustees who were re-elected to their current positions.

President Frank Burkett III, Vice President Bill Patterson and Treasurer Cy Prettyman were all re-elected to their officer positions on the board. State and national policy was discussed and voted upon during the general sessions. Several membership awards and county achievement awards were announced during the annual Delegate Lunch, where Executive Vice President Adam Sharp addressed the assembled attendees at the annual meeting.

In a heartfelt speech, Sharp said he was “humbled and proud” to serve OFBF at this moment in its history.

Watch the presentations and Adam’s address:

Later tonight attendees will participate in the Centennial Celebration and a member-only concert by country star Chase Bryant at the Greater Columbus Convention Center to cap off the kickoff to Ohio Farm Bureau’s 100th year.

Thursday, Dec. 6:

All attendees to the 100th Annual Meeting paused for a centennial photo this afternoon.
All attendees to the 100th Annual Meeting paused for a centennial photo this afternoon.

A warm welcome to all who came to cold Columbus today for the kickoff of the 100th annual meeting.

A historic display that takes visitors through the history of Farm Bureau opened early as members and delegates alike converged steadily on the Greater Columbus Convention Center throughout the morning. A historical presentation by Steve Hausfeld through the Nationwide Archive and two rounds of Discussion Meet kept visitors busy, as did the popular Centennial Store selling special 100th anniversary merchandise.

The Kickoff Lunch included remarks from Nationwide CEO Steve Rasmussen and Tim Corcoran, chairman of the Nationwide Board of Directors, as well as Patricia Wolff, senior director of congressional relations for American Farm Bureau.

Young Ag Professionals winners Annie Specht (Discussion Meet), Nick and Brandi Anderson (Outstanding Young Farmers) and Adam and Jess Campbell (Excellence in Agriculture) accepted their awards. Distinguished Service Award winners – Dennis Heyob, Charles Lausin, Al DiVencenzo and James Bachmann – were also recognized.

Opening Ceremonies and the General Session commenced in the afternoon as the business of the event started in earnest, after a brief group photo (above) and ice cream break the General Session continued. Tonight’s event includes the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation’s Night Out.

Previously posted:

Ohio Farm Bureau kicks of its 100th year, and annual meeting, today in Columbus. The centennial event’s theme is Celebrating our Past, Creating our Future.  

Nearly 3,000 Farm Bureau members are expected to attend the meeting and a special centennial celebration concert on Friday. A historical museum and all convention activities surrounding the 100th year of Ohio Farm Bureau will be held at the Hilton Columbus Downtown and Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Keynote speakers include OFBF President Frank Burkett III, OFBF Executive Vice President Adam Sharp, Nationwide CEO Steve Rasmussen and Nationwide board chairman Tim Corcoran.  

Follow the event on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using hashtag #OFBF100years.

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.
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Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
Farm Bureau connections
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Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

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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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Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
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Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

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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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