Common Heritage, Long-standing Partnership

The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation was organized in 1919 as a membership organization of farmers and rural residents dedicated to improving their community and strengthening their chosen farming vocation. Instrumental in beginning the cooperative movement in Ohio and addressing rural electrification needs, Ohio Farm Bureau and member volunteers were creative and ambitious in approach, and successful in their endeavors.

One of their early business ventures was launched as a mutual insurance company in 1926 to best meet member needs, specifically inappropriately high auto insurance premiums for its rural members. The first policies were sold by volunteers who visited neighbors to enroll them with a promise of good service at a fair price. The Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company quickly gained a reputation for delivering excellent customer value. In 1955, the Farm Bureau insurance company formally separated from Ohio Farm Bureau and changed its name to Nationwide.