By Andi Anderson
County Farm Bureau leaders from across Ohio are in Washington, D.C., from March 10 to 12 as part of the County Presidents’ Trip. This yearly visit is an important step in the Ohio Farm Bureau’s grassroots advocacy efforts, which began on February 18 with Ag Day at the Capital in Columbus.
The trip provides local leaders with opportunities to understand national issues, hear from federal officials, and communicate directly with lawmakers about the challenges faced by farmers and rural communities.
Throughout the three‑day visit, participants will receive briefings from the American Farm Bureau on key issues affecting Ohio agriculture.
The agenda includes discussions on year‑round E15 availability, the impact of data centers, international trade developments, water quality concerns, and the need for a new farm bill. These briefings help county leaders stay informed and prepare them to share accurate information with their elected representatives.
The 2026 trip began on Tuesday with a full day of policy sessions led by American Farm Bureau experts. Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson emphasized the value of this annual visit.
“The government is coming at us fast and it’s hard to get a foothold on all of the changes happening at the federal level from day to day,” Patterson said. “That is the beauty of what this trip is all about as we help our lawmakers understand how the decisions they make matter and share with them exactly where we stand for the issues that directly impact our way of life.”
During the visit, participants also heard from Congressional and administrative leaders and visited several embassies to learn more about agricultural policy from a global perspective.
Leaders will continue their advocacy on Capitol Hill, where they will share stories from their farms and explain how federal policies influence their daily work.
On the morning after the first full day, the group is scheduled to host Sen. Bernie Moreno and American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall for breakfast before meeting more lawmakers throughout the day.
The County Presidents’ Trip continues to serve as an important platform for Ohio Farm Bureau members to elevate the concerns of the state’s farming community. By engaging directly with national leaders, county presidents ensure that the voices of Ohio farmers are heard at the highest levels of government.
Photo Credit: ohio-farm-bureau
Categories: Ohio, General