2024 Election: Vote ‘no’ on Issue 1
Issue 1 is bad for rural areas, and Ohio Farm Bureau Federation urges members to vote “no.”
Read MoreWe are dedicated to working together with farmers to build a robust agricultural community in Ohio. Join us as we keep the tradition going for the next hundred years.
Ohio Farm Bureau is a grassroots membership organization that is committed to supporting our farm and food community. You can find us involved everywhere from events hosted by county Farm Bureaus to the halls of local, state, and federal government, advocating for policy that supports the future of farming. We care about helping our members achieve success in agriculture.
Ohio Farm Bureau is a 501(c)(5) independent, non-governmental, private, volunteer-member powered organization. For more than 100 years, we have represented food, fiber, and fuel producers at a local level and on a national scale. Our members are our top priority, and we are tuned into the top agricultural issues affecting their lives.
A 26-member board of trustees governs the organization. Meet the state board members
Beginning with our longstanding partnership with Nationwide, Farm Bureau is proud to offer our members exclusive access to business solutions, expertise, and benefits that provide a them with a competitive advantage. Our Young Agricultural Professionals groups are active across the state and offer many opportunities to get involved with the agricultural community.
We are focused on growing the next generation of farmers and producers in Ohio. Along with trusted organizations like The Ohio State University, FFA and 4-H, Farm Bureau helps to promote career pathways, ag literacy and provide economic opportunity, networking opportunities and leadership development for young farmers. In addition, Ohio Farm Bureau is nurturing a passion for careers in agriculture by way of innovative programming and the many scholarships and grants for students and young farmers that we sponsor through the our foundation.
Ohio Farm Bureau was founded Jan. 27, 1919 on the campus of Ohio State University.
“People have within their own hands the tools to fashion their own destiny.” Murray Lincoln, Ohio Farm Bureau’s first executive vice president, famously rallied farmers around an idea, that a century later, still defines who we are. Lincoln spoke of “cooperation amongst the rural folks of Ohio along commercial, economical, legislative, social, and educational lines.” That’s us today, unwavering from our belief that Farm Bureau enables individuals to do together what can’t be done alone.
Over 100 years ago, the fledgling Farm Bureau existed in a different world. Some 30% of Ohioans lived on farms, Farm Bureau was promoting higher fertilizer use to boost our 26 bushels per acre corn yield, we were fighting to bring electricity to rural areas and feeding consumers who wanted the new amenity of processed and packaged foods.
Over our history, our accomplishments include rural electrification, the establishment of the Current Agriculture Use Value program, setting standards to assure high quality care for food animals and tackling the complex challenge of protecting water quality. Along the way, we’ve spun off cooperatives and organizations that remain today. Undoubtedly the greatest is the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, which sold its first policy in 1926 and in 1955 became Nationwide, now a Fortune 66 company and the country’s largest farm insurer. Nationwide is still our most important and valued partner.
A historical marker commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding is on display outside Jennings Hall, the former Botany and Zoology building, at Ohio State University where in 1919 representatives of 76 county Farm Bureaus, with the assistance of university and county Extension leaders, established the organization.
Catch up on the biggest policy issues impacting agriculture in Ohio and what we are doing to speak out for our members.
Learn MoreFarm Bureau welcomes all who support our mission to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Explore the benefits membership has to offer.
Learn MoreMake a difference in your community and beyond, and meet other people who care about agriculture in Ohio.
Learn MoreSupporters like you are making the difference in the lives of future Ohio farmers through our innovative programs, grants and scholarships.
Learn MoreIssue 1 is bad for rural areas, and Ohio Farm Bureau Federation urges members to vote “no.”
Read MoreOhio Farm Bureau’s newest resource for members seeks to help farmland owners navigate the many questions surrounding energy development.
Read MoreSharing our story is how we connect with others, especially those not involved in the day-to-day operations of agriculture.
Read MoreBethany Schappacher, a Clinton County Farm Bureau member, and her family own Schappacher Farms, a 50-acre pumpkin farm featuring a corn maze, hayrides, fall treats and other family activities.
Read MoreTime is running out for thousands of farmers who may face steep fines and possible jail time for failing to…
Read MoreCollegiate Farm Bureau organizations at The Ohio State University and Wilmington College each will receive $500 to aid in chapter recruitment and activities.
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Federation County Activities of Excellence awards celebrate unique, local, volunteer-driven programs that serve as models of innovation for local program development.
Read MoreTo ensure that your farm and family receive competent guidance, proactive scheduling will be critical in the early part of 2025.
Read MoreThis summer’s ‘Experience Food Science: Field to Package’ workshop offered educators a close look at the intersection of agriculture, food science, and technology.
Read MoreLeah Curtis of Canal Winchester has been named associate general counsel for Ohio Farm Bureau.
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