RICHMOND — Those serving on the Jefferson County Farm Bureau Board of Trustees gathered for the kickoff of the group’s 2025 membership campaign.

Trustees met Jan. 2 at the Crossroads Ministry Center in Richmond, where board training was held, assignments delegated and the monthly board meeting concluding the event.

Four members of the board were in attendance at the Ohio Farm Bureau’s 106th-annual meeting, which took place in Columbus Dec. 12-13. The meeting brought together county Farm Bureau leadership from across Ohio.

During that meeting, 349 delegates representing the 88 counties in Ohio, discussed topics that covered carbon sequestration and mental health. Attendees also completed a debate and discussion to set next year’s policy agenda.

“The strength of Farm Bureau’s advocacy is planted in this truly grassroots process,” stated Jack Irvin, vice president of policy for the Ohio Farm Bureau. “These two days show the passion and dedication of our members to the food and farm community.”

Among the new policy discussed was land use and energy at the state and national levels, particularly when farmland is used for energy installations. Delegates proposed national policy that supports incentives for renewable energy in rural areas that prioritizes energy production on land not suitable for agricultural production.

Updated policies include those related to wildlife management.

Concerns were addressed regarding property security and trespassing. New policy supports law enforcement notification to landowners whenever trespassing or property damage occurs, officials commented.

“Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities,” officials said.

During the monthly meeting, two policy initiatives were proposed by the Jefferson County Farm Bureau and passed by delegates. Officials announced upcoming events the public may be interested in attending.

The bureau will host an agricultural producer resource expo Jan. 22 at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, where more than 15 exhibitors will set up space and speakers will hold break-out sessions on a number of topics.

The expo is free to attend. For information, call (330) 339-7211 or (888) 265-2090. Visit the farm bureau’s Facebook page for updates.

The 2025 Trustee and Municipal Leaders Forum is scheduled to take place at the JVS on Feb. 22.

The seminar provides updates on topics for area trustees, mayors, council members and civic leaders. In the past, the subject matter has included locating funding opportunities for township projects, assistance with the removal of abandoned properties, managing noxious and invasive weeds along roadways and eminent domain issues.

Attendance to the forum is free of charge.

The Ohio Farm Bureau will hold this year’s Ag Day on Feb. 19 at the Capital in Columbus. Members of the county board will be among those attending. This event allows county leaders to meet with their representatives and discuss local and state concerns of their membership. The farm bureau continues to be a bridge between its members and lawmakers.

Membership into the bureau offers various benefits, such as discounts on insurance, farm equipment, travel and educational resources. Members gain access to advocacy programs and leadership development opportunities to support agriculture in their communities, as well. For information or for those interested in becoming a member, visit ohiofarmbureau.org.