Rural broadband, meat processing, water quality efforts, timber management and wildlife management were among the priorities set by delegates at Ohio Farm Bureau’s 102nd annual meeting.

The approved policies set the direction for the organization’s activities in the coming year. A total of 380 delegates representing all county Farm Bureaus participated in the debate and discussion.

The coronavirus pandemic exposed the growing need for reliable broadband connectivity throughout rural parts of Ohio. From precision agriculture to shopping safely for groceries, from virtual learning to telehealth, the use of online resources has quickly become a necessity, the delegation noted, while calling for the expansion of broadband throughout the state for all Ohioans.

The challenges of 2020 also put a strain on America’s food supply system, particularly meat processing facilities. Delegates added policy language that would promote growth for more regional facilities to be operational, helping to alleviate overcapacity at meat and poultry facilities, and allowing for more marketing options for Ohio’s livestock producers.

Ohio Farm Bureau reiterated its ongoing support for the H₂Ohio water quality initiative, created by Gov. Mike DeWine and passed by the Ohio Legislature in 2019. Tens of millions in funding has been allocated to partner with farmers in the Maumee River Watershed to continue expanding best practices focused on proactive solutions to address the state’s water quality challenges.

Other policy votes addressed property rights and taxes, livestock care and energy infrastructure. Learn more at ofbf.org.

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