By Andi Anderson
Ohio Farm Bureau recently recognized two members for their outstanding efforts in agricultural advocacy through the 2025 Advocacy in Action Awards.
The award honors individuals who show strong leadership initiative and commitment to advancing agriculture and representing farmers across Ohio. Winners are nominated by fellow members who value their dedication and service.
The 2025 recipients are Dr. Sarah Ison of Clermont County and Tim Hesselbrock of Butler County. Both have played important roles in promoting agriculture policy education and strengthening the voice of farmers at the local state and national levels.
“Ohio Farm Bureau’s bread and butter is advocacy on behalf of members,” said Bill Patterson, president of Ohio Farm Bureau. “Through signature events like Ag Day at the Capital and our leadership trips to Washington, D.C., plus grassroots meetings with legislators, making contact with their offices, and hosting farm tours, our success in the policy arena would not happen without our members.”
Dr. Sarah Ison has built a strong background in agricultural policy and leadership. She has been involved in AgriPOWER the American Farm Bureau Partners in Advocacy Leadership program and the Ohio Farm Bureau state Policy Development Committee.
She also provides leadership at the county level through the Clermont County Farm Bureau. Alongside her husband Josh she owns Flourish and Roam a business focused on food entrepreneurship rural infrastructure and small business development.
Sarah has also provided key testimony before the Ohio House and Senate in support of Farm Bureau Health Plans and attended a White House event highlighting agricultural priorities within the Make America Healthy Again report.
Tim Hesselbrock has dedicated more than two decades to connecting farmers with elected officials. He has organized and led meetings between local farmers lawmakers and staff to ensure family farms are heard during policy discussions.
These meetings focus on important agricultural issues including regulations and legislative changes. As a leader of the Butler County Farm Bureau Policy Committee and a former county president Hesselbrock has played a major role in supporting policies that protect small farms and promote long term sustainability.
The Advocacy in Action Awards were presented during the 107th Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting held in December. Ohio Farm Bureau continues its mission of working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen local communities across the state.
Photo Credit: ohio-farm-bureau
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle