Why an Ohio Farm Bureau Membership Matters For Farmers and Beyond

Agriculture is more than just an industry—it is a way of life, a cornerstone of the economy, and the backbone of rural communities across the United States. Yet, farming comes with significant challenges, including changing regulations, market fluctuations, labor shortages, and sustainability concerns. That is where the American Farm Bureau plays a critical role in advocating for agriculture nationwide.

At the state level, the Ohio Farm Bureau works to protect, support, and advocate for Ohio’s farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. Whether you are a farmer, agribusiness professional, or someone passionate about supporting agriculture, an Ohio Farm Bureau membership offers a wide range of benefits that go beyond farming.

This guide explores why joining the Ohio Farm Bureau is a smart decision for those in agriculture and individuals who want to support rural communities.

Advocating for Farmers and Protecting Rural Communities

The Ohio Farm Bureau has long been a champion for farmers, ensuring their voices are heard in legislative discussions that impact agriculture. From tax policies to land conservation efforts, the organization fights for policies that help farms remain productive and profitable while balancing environmental stewardship.

Some of the most impactful policy wins in recent years include:

• Tax savings for farmers – The Ohio Farm Bureau’s advocacy has helped the average 200-acre farm in Ohio save approximately $16,724 annually through tax reforms and the protection of key tax-saving initiatives.
• Lower property taxes through CAUV reform – The Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program allows farmland to be taxed based on its agricultural value rather than its full market value. Thanks to Farm Bureau advocacy, the statewide CAUV land value is 71% lower than market value ($9.49 billion vs. $32.78 billion in 2023). This reform significantly reduces the tax burden on farmers and prevents development pressures from driving farmland taxes too high.
• Water and conservation funding – More than $121.4 million has been secured through the H2Ohio initiative, supporting voluntary conservation efforts that help farmers improve water quality and implement sustainable practices without financial strain.
• Protecting farm incomes – The Ohio Farm Bureau successfully eliminated taxes on the first $3 million in gross receipts in 2024 and $6 million in 2025, providing financial relief to small farms and agribusinesses.
• Landowner rights and regulatory support – The organization actively works on eminent domain reform, ensuring landowners are fairly compensated when their farmland is impacted by public infrastructure projects.

With increasing regulatory pressures on agriculture, having a powerful organization advocating for farm tax savings, conservation funding, and small farm support is invaluable.

Financial Benefits and Cost Savings for Members

Farming is a business, and like any business, managing costs is crucial to long-term success. The Ohio Farm Bureau provides real financial benefits that help farms and agribusinesses save money while ensuring they remain protected.

Some of the most valuable financial benefits include:

• Workers’ compensation savings – Members have collectively saved over $6.1 million through the Workers’ Compensation Group Rating Program, which helps reduce insurance costs while protecting employees.
• Energy savings – Through the Ohio Farm Bureau Energy Savings Program, members have reported an average reduction of 10% in their energy bills, allowing them to reinvest those savings into their operations.
• Health coverage – More than 3,800 Farm Bureau members and their families have gained access to affordable healthcare plans, specifically designed for farmers and rural residents who often have limited insurance options.
• Business and agribusiness support – Ohio Farm Bureau assists agribusiness owners in securing grants, financing, and legal assistance, providing them with financial stability and business growth opportunities.

For those in agriculture or those who aren’t, having access to these financial benefits allows our members to breathe a little easier knowing they are covered.

Farm Bureau Education, Resources, and Career Development

The agricultural industry is constantly evolving, and farmers need to stay informed to remain competitive. The Ohio Farm Bureau provides a wealth of educational opportunities, leadership programs, and career development resources to ensure members have the knowledge and tools needed to adapt to industry changes. With over 100 annual workshops and training sessions, members gain insights into risk management, farm safety, regulatory compliance, estate planning, and business development. These programs not only help farmers make informed decisions but also equip them with strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profitability.

Beyond education, the Ag Intelligence Service offers a dedicated resource for members to track industry trends, labor challenges, and financial opportunities. This service helps farmers stay ahead of market shifts and make strategic decisions based on reliable data. Additionally, for young professionals and students pursuing careers in agriculture, the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation provides financial assistance through its scholarship program. In 2024 alone, the foundation awarded $270,000 in scholarships to support the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Whether you are a young farmer looking for leadership opportunities, a student exploring an agricultural career, or an experienced farmer seeking to stay up to date with evolving practices, Ohio Farm Bureau membership provides access to an invaluable network of knowledge and support.

Farm Bureau Membership is Not Just for Farmers

One of the biggest misconceptions about Farm Bureau membership is that it is only for farmers. However, anyone can join, and there are numerous benefits available to non-farmers, business owners, and rural residents.

Non-farmers who join the Farm Bureau can enjoy:

• Exclusive travel and shopping discounts – Members receive discounts on car rentals, hotels, amusement parks, and retail purchases through Farm Bureau partnerships.
• Insurance and financial perks – Members gain access to affordable health plans, auto insurance discounts, and financial planning resources designed for both rural and suburban residents.
• Community engagement opportunities – Ohio Farm Bureau organizes local events, farm tours, and educational programs, allowing non-farmers to connect with Ohio’s agricultural community and learn more about where their food comes from.

For small business owners, rural residents, and individuals passionate about agriculture, Farm Bureau membership provides access to valuable networking opportunities, financial savings, and legislative advocacy.

My Personal Experience with the Ohio Farm Bureau

As a Board of Trustee member for the Fulton County Farm Bureau, I have experienced firsthand the positive impact that Farm Bureau membership can have on farmers, agribusinesses, and the broader agricultural community. I joined the Ohio Farm Bureau because I believe in protecting and strengthening Ohio agriculture, and over the years, I have seen how this organization provides real value to its members.

One of the most important aspects of a Ohio Farm Bureau membership is its ability to help local farmers navigate complex regulations and secure funding for sustainability projects. Many farmers struggle with changing policies and environmental compliance requirements, but through the advocacy efforts of the Ohio Farm Bureau, they receive the guidance and resources needed to stay ahead of regulatory changes. Additionally, the organization has played a key role in supporting rural infrastructure development, including critical road improvements and broadband expansion to ensure that agribusinesses have access to modern technology and digital resources.

Beyond advocacy and infrastructure, the Ohio Farm Bureau also invests in leadership and career development. I am involved in the young agricultural professionals (YAP). This group of Farm Bureau Members give you the ability to connect with other farmers ages 18-35 to network, share thoughts, and learn from each other. This also aligns with Ohio Farm Bureau as a whole. It is important to connect with other farmers, policy experts, and agricultural professionals to strengthen my own knowledge and reinforce the importance of collaboration within the industry.

The connections, resources, and advocacy that the Ohio Farm Bureau provides are invaluable to anyone involved in agriculture or rural business.

Why You Should Join the Farm Bureau

The Ohio Farm Bureau is more than just an organization; it is a support system for farmers, agribusiness owners, and rural communities.

If you are a farmer, Farm Bureau membership gives you the resources, protection, and financial savings needed to succeed in today’s agricultural industry. If you are not a farmer, your membership helps support Ohio agriculture, strengthens rural communities, and gives you access to financial perks and exclusive benefits.

Farm Bureau membership is an investment in Ohio’s agricultural future. It ensures that farms remain profitable, sustainable, and protected while providing valuable benefits to businesses and individuals alike.

How to Join the Ohio Farm Bureau

Becoming a member is simple. You can sign up online by visiting the Ohio Farm Bureau website or by contacting your local county Farm Bureau for more information. If you have any questions about membership benefits or how the Ohio Farm Bureau can support your business, feel free to reach out to me.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a farmer looking for advocacy and financial savings, a business owner seeking networking opportunities, or simply someone who values supporting agriculture, the Ohio Farm Bureau offers membership benefits that make a real difference.

Now is the time to invest in the future of Ohio’s agriculture and ensure that farms, businesses, and rural communities continue to thrive.