Ohio Ag Day Brings Farm Leaders and Lawmakers Together

By Andi Anderson

The 2026 Ag Day at the Capital brought together hundreds of Ohio Farm Bureau members in downtown Columbus to meet directly with their state senators and representatives.

This annual event gives agricultural families, young professionals, and community leaders the opportunity to speak about the issues affecting Ohio agriculture and rural communities.

Members from across the state, including representatives of Belmont County Farm Bureau, participated in these discussions. Vice President Mike Burkhart, Public Policy Chair Frank Shaffer, and Young Ag Professional Lydia Fuchs attended the event on behalf of the county.

During their visit, they met with Rep. Ron Ferguson, Rep. Ty Moore, and Sen. Brian Chavez to share local concerns and learn more about current legislative priorities.

During the gathering, the Ohio Farm Bureau announced its 2026 priority issues. One of the central focuses is the preservation of Ohio’s farmland. As development pressures continue to rise, protecting agricultural land remains essential for food production and rural economies.

Members emphasized the need for smart and responsible land use legislation that balances growth while safeguarding the state’s farming heritage.

Another major topic was improving transparency and consistency in the Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program.

This program determines property tax values for farmland, and members advocated for clearer guidelines to support farmers fairly and sustainably.

The Farm Bureau also highlighted the importance of strengthening Ohio’s food supply chain. This includes supporting local processors, ensuring reliable distribution, and encouraging investments that keep food systems efficient and resilient.

Members discussed how these improvements would benefit both producers and consumers across the state.

Throughout the event, attendees had the chance to share community-specific concerns, ranging from rural infrastructure needs to youth involvement in agriculture.

These conversations helped lawmakers gain a deeper understanding of everyday challenges faced by Ohio’s farming families.

Ag Day at the Capital continues to serve as a meaningful platform for collaboration between farmers and elected officials. By working together, they aim to support policies that protect farmland, strengthen rural communities, and ensure a strong agricultural future for Ohio.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski