By Adam Sharp, executive vice president Ohio Farm Bureau
In agriculture, we spend a lot of time investing in the future. From the seeds we plant in early spring for a fall harvest to the long-term planning of who will take over the farm or business after us, there is always a focus on tomorrow.
The same future focus guides the work being done by Ohio Farm Bureau, our members and all our incredible partners across the industry. It’s also the inspiration behind the new imAGine Ag exhibit at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds.
Located inside the new Ohio Agriculture Center, the 75,000-square-foot imAGine Ag exhibit will feature hands-on exhibits, interactive experiences and opportunities for fairgoers of all ages to explore how food, fiber and renewable fuel are produced in Ohio. For Ohio Farm Bureau and our partners, this is more than a new attraction, it’s a long-term investment in several priorities that will help strengthen and shape the future of Ohio agriculture.… Continue reading
By Eric Tipton, Fayette County farmer and president, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association
Eric Tipton
As America prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, we should be asking a simple question: How independent are we if a handful of corporations can make it harder for America to feed and fuel itself?
That question starts on the farm, but it does not end there. It reaches every Ohio family standing in the grocery store wondering why the same cart of food costs more than it used to.
What many people may not realize is the pressure that begins long before food reaches the store. It begins with the cost of growing it.
I farm in Fayette County, and like thousands of Ohio farmers, I understand agriculture has never been an easy business. But what has been happening with one of the most important tools we rely on to grow a crop — fertilizer — is downright frightening.… Continue reading
A few weeks back, my son and I were working on a curtain drain that the roots of an unfriendly tree had visited. A quick visit to the local hardware store was just the ticket since I knew they rented heavy-duty eels complete with the appropriate root cutter. The owner greeted us by name, chatted about the weather as it related to the farm (he’s a farm boy), then pointed to the best rental option, and with a handshake, we made our way to the door. No contract. No questionnaire. No training. No fuss, no muss.
On our way to the trailer, the owner called out — “Hey Chris, I wanted to let you know I see and read your editorials biweekly in the local paper. He then went on to give me an ever-so-gentle constructive suggestion. “How about writing one time about how great America is sometime?… Continue reading
On my farm and farms across the country, nothing happens without people. Behind every harvest is a team of dedicated workers helping bring food from our fields to families’ kitchen tables.
Farmers value our employees. Many of us work alongside the same people for decades, and those relationships matter. But right now, farmers are in the middle of a labor crisis that is putting that work, and our food supply, at risk.
We’re seeing it every day. Crops are left to rot in the fields. Farmers are scaling back. Some are even going out of business because they simply can’t find the help they need.
Public support for ag labor solutions is clear
Americans understand what’s at stake. Seven in tenadults support farmers having access to H-2A guestworkers, and two in three recognize that without those guestworkers, the United States would have to rely more heavily on imported food.… Continue reading
Shelby County, Ohio, has found itself in a revealing split-screen moment. On the one side, township residents are packed into a county community hall to weigh in on the future of their farmland and to participate in a public process to testify that industrial wind and solar energy development threatens their soil, livelihoods, and the landscapes their families had tended for generations.
On the other side, inside the City of Sidney, the view looks entirely different. A $3 billion Amazon data center project is advancing not because residents were meaningfully consulted, but because a majority of city council members approved a property tax abatement on more than 200 acres of annexed farmland. Residents’ questions were heard only after decisions had essentially been made, and concerns were addressed only after the city had committed to Amazon’s most significant financial incentive.
So why is it that landowners in the townships have a formal voice about wind and solar projects that create energy, while city residents have none over a sprawling data center campus that consumes that same energy?… Continue reading
Soybeans have long been Ohio’s top cash crop, but today, we’re facing a harsh reality: exports have declined nearly 20% and prices are down more than 40% since 2022. Those aren’t just statistics — they’re a warning sign that the dynamics of our markets are changing rapidly and we must adapt.
The answer isn’t to wait and hope for better export numbers. It’s to create new opportunities right here at home. And that means embracing biomanufacturing.
Biomanufacturing uses plants — like our soybeans — to make everything from tires and roofing materials to aviation fuel and bio-based chemicals. These aren’t futuristic ideas; they are real products being made today. Every one of these uses represents a domestic market that strengthens our farms and our state’s economy.
Even President Trump has made it clear he believes biotechnology and biomanufacturing are key to America’s future competitiveness. The president believes feedstocks from America’s heartland — our crops — can be used to forge new supply chains, create jobs, and be a big part of scalable, advanced manufacturing.… Continue reading
“Create a caricature of me from what you know about me.” This AI prompt has led to a plethora of images depicting school nurses, bankers, farmers, teachers, you name it, to pop up on social media news feeds over the last several days. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what is possible to create with artificial intelligence. This technology empowers the vast majority of everyday life, such as search engines, online shopping, social media, healthcare, text editing, and digital assistants. This rapid and overwhelming growth and use of AI has led to the rapid construction of data centers across the country.
Data centers are planned and paid for by companies with household names such as Meta, Google, or Amazon (AWS). These facilities are massive structures containing what is, in its most basic sense, a giant computer or series of massive computers along with some method of storing data digitally.… Continue reading
By Tadd Nicholson, Executive Director, Ohio Corn & Wheat
Every Ohio family has watched the total climb at the grocery store and wondered why it keeps happening. Most folks look at the items on the shelf for answers, but the problem starts long before food ever gets there.
Ohio farmers were the first to feel the impact of rising costs, driven in large part by the dramatic spike in fertilizer prices. In tough economic times, many consumers can cut back on certain items, but farmers don’t have that option; fertilizer is the essential tool that grows the crops that feed this country and the world. When that input got more expensive, farmers absorbed the hit. And eventually, that shock moved through the entire supply chain.
If we really want to bring prices down for farmers and for families buying food, we have to talk about why costs keep climbing. One big reason is this: a flaw in federal trade rules lets a few companies push out their competition and then turn around and raise their prices.… Continue reading
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew today released the following statement in response to the administration’s announcement of $12 billion in one-time bridge payments for American farmers struggling with volatile markets, high input costs and trade uncertainty.
“We appreciate the administration’s decision to deliver economic assistance to family farmers and ranchers at a time of serious stress. Across the country, farmers are confronting the combined pressures of disrupted trade, rising input costs, and depressed commodity markets. This relief will provide near-term support for many farmers working hard just to stay afloat.
“Short-term payments, while important, are only a first step. What we truly need are long-term structural fixes that restore viability and stability to family farms and ranches for generations to come. In real-time, we are experiencing the consequences of farm policy that is woefully outdated. The farm safety net can’t keep up with today’s economic realities. Input costs remain high, trade relationships are uncertain, access to affordable healthcare is in danger and the stress on rural communities continues to grow. … Continue reading
By Don Jones, State Executive Director, USDA Farm Service Agency – Ohio
Since January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump has been working around the clock to put American Farmers First after inheriting one of the toughest farm economies our country has faced in decades. Here in Ohio, farmers and producers know the challenges firsthand – rising input costs, volatile markets, extreme weather, and years of policies that prioritize bureaucracy over producers.
This year, President Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins have worked at record speed to deliver real relief and long-term reforms, working hand-in-hand with the Farm Service Agency to ensure these resources are reaching our farmers and rural communities right here at home.
Here in Ohio, this includes $301M through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), $120M in disaster relief through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), and $28.8M in assistance for specialty crop and livestock producers.… Continue reading
What would you do if you were fortunate enough to win the lottery? Would you spend the money right away? If so, on what? Would you share your winnings with family and friends? Make charitable donations? Invest?
As of Dec. 16, no one had matched all the numbers in the Powerball jackpot, which now stands at an estimated $1.15 billion. The lump-sum payout is estimated at $524.7 million. The odds of winning are 1 in 292.2 million.
I would venture to say many winners would purchase a luxurious home or an expensive vehicle. In theory, those are wonderful indulgences. Still, I often wonder why someone needs 32 bathrooms or 20 bedrooms. One can only imagine the logistics of hosting gatherings of that size. As for vehicles, how large does an SUV or truck really need to be?
Would you take a vacation to a tropical island paradise, visit a snowy winter wonderland, or take a scenic cruise?… Continue reading
By Matt Burkholder, Farmer Advocate for Conservation
As the American farmer continues to age, is the younger generation interested in continuing the tradition? Are the older farmers willing to help the younger generation?
I grew up on a small farm in Northwest Ohio. I knew from the age of five that I wanted to farm. I’ve never been given a farm or a bunch of cash, but my parents have given me all the help in the world. As a result, I have learned the importance of work ethic from a young age.
As I travel and talk with older farmers, there is one thing in common. Family has always helped the family. Many active farmers today started with a small tractor and possibly a few horses to complete farm tasks. Farmers begin to retire and consider renting their farm. Why do they often contact traditional farmers? Why don’t they contact a farmer with a young family?… Continue reading
“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” is a saying that seemed especially relevant on Dec. 8 when a group of eight farmers from across the country participated in a round table discussion with President Trump, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and other key national leaders in the cabinet room and in the Oval Office at the White House. Ohio Farm Bureau Treasurer Adele Flynn participated in the meeting, representing Ohio farmers.
The meeting was part of the announcement of the $12 billion aid package to provide financial relief and an economic bridge for America’s farmers and ranchers. While the bridge payments are an important economic lifeline for the agriculture economy, it’s not the only story from that meeting.
Another important element of the two-hour meeting with the president that may be easily overlooked was the critical discussion on many long-term solutions to stabilize the farm economy, such as:
The importance of year-round E15 (unlimited 88 at the gas pump);
November is upon us, and there have been some dark, dreary, cold, and rainy days. These days create problems for everyone in many different ways. Children had to walk in the dark and rain to get to the school bus or school. People who had to go to work needed umbrellas and raincoats. Some had to get to their cars in the rain and hope that the windshield wipers were working properly. Their drive to work was more dangerous due to low visibility and water on the roads. For many who work outdoors, their work was halted. Others who have no choice but to work outside in every kind of weather will have a long, hard day. Dark, dreary, rainy days can be very difficult for those who are retired, sick, or incapacitated. They are especially challenging for someone who has lost a loved one or someone near and dear.… Continue reading
He was proud of his investment and impatient to share it with Grandpa. He had taken money from his savings, partnered with his mom, and committed to the purchase of that brand new saddle that fit his six-year-old frame to a tee.
As his mom tightened the cinch, weaved the latigo, and handed him the reins – reminding him to keep them fore, not aft of the horn, he sat tall in the saddle. Confident for his age, yet wisely tentative as he maneuvered his three times his age mare through the makeshift barrel course of two yellow five-gallon buckets.
It was that moment I knew both my grandsons would grow up to be cowboys.
Later in the evening, as I soaked in that reality, juxtaposed with the cable news of the day, void of corn and cows, yet filled with despair, I lamented, Where have all the cowboys gone?… Continue reading
Autumn was my father’s favorite time of the year. He was curious to see the fruits or the “grains” of his labor. He was curious as to which type of seed would have the highest yield and which field would produce the most bushels to the acre. Would it be the field at Dorothy’s? Would it be the field behind the lane or at the creek? As most of you know, this is how fields were and are named. It was an exciting time of year at Heritage Farm.
When my brothers and I were young, we rode in the combine with our father. Our children would eventually also ride in the combine with their grandfather. Grandpa Wolfe always had candy in the combine. However, my brothers and I were not that fortunate; we often ate our meals in the field. My mother would prepare our evening meal and take it to the field where we ate with our father.… Continue reading
It was early this past October, on a Saturday, when Dad called to ask if I could take him to the eye doctor the following Tuesday. He was having trouble seeing out of his right eye and decided not to drive. “Sure,” I said. “I’ll pick you up, and maybe we’ll do the Waffle House after.”
When I arrived Tuesday morning, he was dressed, but was unusually unstable as we maneuvered into the truck and off to the doctor. “Chris, your dad has had a stroke, and it probably occurred last week. He’s lost total vision in his right eye, and it’s irreparable. I’m obligated to send him directly to the emergency room for examination,” said the optometrist.
The diagnosis would launch us both into a maze of administrative and gut-wrenching twists and turns, seemingly designed to confuse and frustrate, rather than care. All of this was brought about by a change in healthcare providers made years ago.… Continue reading
To return to the family farm after college, or not? That is the question that many young people certainly ask. This important topic is often broached and discussed at family dinners. It weighs heavily on many minds. One could easily make an argument for either of the two options. While a college degree is not a prerequisite to a successful farming operation, it is often helpful in today’s ever-changing world and in the world of agriculture. New farming practices, such as applying chemicals with drones, often require training and education. There are computer programs with spreadsheets that can make record-keeping easier, but how does one learn these skills? Oftentimes, training in the form of education is involved and even a necessity.
Returning to the family farm after college is common. There are numerous reasons for one to do so. One can be motivated by passion; passion for the land and preserving it for future generations often influences decisions.… Continue reading
As children begin a new school year, as a parent, you will be reminded about the importance of mental health and self-esteem. Teachers, counselors, and principals will talk about these issues. I know; I taught middle school for thirty-one plus years. The two affect your children, but, based on my observations, children and adolescents reared on farms appear to have fewer issues with mental health and self-esteem. No, I am not a trained child psychologist, nor am I an expert in these important fields of study. I am simply sharing my opinion as a former teacher and as a parent.
Children raised in an agricultural setting or on a farm tend to have more responsibilities than children raised elsewhere. Again, I know this because I provided my students with the opportunity to respond to questions in the form of interest inventories. Sometimes we just spoke candidly about what they did after school.… Continue reading
It’s summer, and it’s time to get the band back together one more time!
A few weeks back, I was fortunate to serve as emcee of our local Civic Band on a warm Friday night in the shadow of our historic courthouse in Shelby County, Ohio. As I looked out over the crowd of neighbors and friends gathered on the grass with their lawn chairs firmly planted under centuries-old shade trees, I couldn’t help but marvel at how a community band could bring so many people of diverse backgrounds together in one spot.
It’s no accident that music, with its universal appeal, transcends barriers of language, age, and ideology, creating a space where strangers become neighbors. And what’s more, a 2019 study by the National Endowment for the Arts found that 73% of Americans who attended live music events reported feeling a stronger connection to their community.… Continue reading
Ohio Ag Net | Ohio's Country Journal Ohio Ag Net | Ohio's Country Journal 
