By Andi Anderson
Farmers face many risks each season, and the Ohio Farm Bureau continues its mission to support members in preparing for and navigating these challenges. Following last year’s severe drought and this year’s heavy rains, safety and wellness remain priorities as farmers head into harvest.
Disaster relief has played a key role in helping farmers recover. With Farm Bureau’s support, both the state of Ohio and the federal government provided funding after the historic drought, ensuring producers could keep their operations going.
Health care access is another focus. Building on the success of the Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan, new legislation signed by Governor Mike DeWine now allows Ohio Farm Bureau to offer individual and family health plans.
This expansion will help more members access affordable, personalized health coverage, especially those without employer-provided benefits.
Safety initiatives are also in motion. Nationwide’s ATV and UTV safety campaign underscores the importance of proper precautions when using these popular but potentially dangerous vehicles.
The Farm Bureau also recognizes resilience in the face of emergencies. After a fire at Comp Dairy in Ashtabula County last year, which forced the evacuation of 1,100 cows, the family is now making a strong recovery.
Mental health support remains a top concern. Survey results from the Ohio Mental Health Alliance show the stress farmers face daily. A new project, FARM-TOK, led by Sara Tallmadge, Excellence in Agriculture award winner and clinical research coordinator at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, is addressing loneliness and rural mental health challenges.
As the harvest season begins, Ohio Farm Bureau encourages farmers to keep safety, health, and wellness top of mind. The organization remains committed to providing resources, advocacy, and support to strengthen Ohio’s farming communities.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-gueholl
Categories: Ohio, Business, General, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety