In The News 19 February 2026

2026 priorities discussed at Ohio Farm Bureau’s Ag Day at the Capital

By Ryan Matthews
Director of Communications and Media Relations
Ohio Farm Bureau

COLUMBUS – A large contingent of Ohio Farm Bureau members gathered at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus Feb.18 for the organization’s annual Ag Day at the Capital, meeting one-on-one with state legislators and staff to discuss policy priorities impacting Ohio’s farms and rural communities.  

During the event, Ohio Farm Bureau unveiled its 2026 priority issues, including the preservation of Ohio’s farmland, smart and sound land use legislation, transparency and uniformity on the critical Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program, and further investment of Ohio’s food supply chain. Members also discussed a range of community-specific and agriculture-related issues with their representatives and leaders. 

“The priority issues laid out by our members, through our grassroots policy process, provide a blueprint for leaders and policymakers to bolster and support Ohio’s agriculture industry and our rural communities,” said Jack Irvin, vice president of public policy with Ohio Farm Bureau. “Being able to convey these important messages directly with lawmakers is something that our members don’t take for granted, and to be able to give them access to do that is a prime example of what this organization is all about.”

Through meetings with lawmakers, members advocated in support of House Bills 575 and 646. Introduced by Reps. David Thomas and Bob Peterson, HB 575 brings many small, needed changes and uniformity to CAUV, while HB 646, introduced by Reps. Kellie Deeter and Gary Click, creates a statewide study commission on the impacts of data centers, the environment and other related issues. Both pieces of legislation are aligned with Ohio Farm Bureau policy and would further support Ohio agriculture. 

Ag Day attendees also heard from American Farm Bureau Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis John Newton, Ph.D, Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson and Ohio Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Adam Sharp. 

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or rmatthews@ofbf.org

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