By Andi Anderson
Ohio farmers recently had an opportunity to share their concerns and priorities with national agricultural leaders during a visit to Cooper Farms Hatchery in Oakwood, Ohio. The event brought together farmers and policymakers to discuss important issues affecting agriculture and explore ways to strengthen the industry.
Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) and U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) met with producers during a roundtable discussion. The gathering focused on challenges facing farmers, opportunities for growth, and legislative efforts aimed at supporting agricultural operations across Ohio.
Cooper Farms, a family-owned and operated company in Northwest Ohio, served as the host site for the event. The company is widely recognized for its egg, chicken, turkey, and pork production operations and represents the important role agriculture plays in the state's economy.
During the visit, Husted emphasized the importance of listening directly to farmers and understanding their needs. He said, “It was great to host Chairman Boozman in Ohio and spend time listening to hardworking Ohio farmers who are keeping our state fed and fueled. The Working Families Tax Cuts Act modernized the farm safety net, helping producers have more certainty when planning for their business and farm operations. The Farm Bill includes five bills that I am championing to support Ohio farmers through agricultural loans, community college agriculture programs, fertilizer research and assistance for rural seniors,”
Boozman highlighted recent agricultural investments and the benefits expected for producers. He stated, “Senator Husted has been a strong champion for Ohio agriculture, delivering historic investments for farmers through the Working Families Tax Cuts. Farm families will start to see those benefits this month, with Buckeye State producers expected to receive $544 million in ARC and PLC payments––76% more than they would have received without the Republican-supported bill. He listens directly to producers about what they need, and that input helped shape Farm Bill 2.0. I look forward to working together to strengthen the future of agriculture and get a new farm bill signed into law this year that reflects the priorities of Ohio producers,”
The discussions also focused on provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Key measures include eliminating the death tax for family-owned farms, making the 20% Qualified Business Income deduction permanent for farmers, and increasing Section 179 expensing limits. These changes are intended to help producers invest in machinery, equipment, and farm expansion projects.
Ohio producers are expected to receive $544 million in ARC and PLC payments, significantly increasing financial support available to farmers. The state has also gained 885,000 new base acres that will be eligible for 2026 payments.
In addition, lawmakers highlighted several agricultural initiatives included in the Farm Bill. These include the USDA Loan Modernization Act, Community College Agriculture Advancement Act, Fertilizer Research Act of 2025, U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan Act, and the Delivering for Rural Seniors Act of 2026.
The meeting demonstrated the importance of collaboration between policymakers and producers. By discussing challenges directly with farmers, agricultural leaders can better develop policies that support farm families, strengthen rural communities, and promote the long-term success of Ohio agriculture.
Categories: Ohio, Government & Policy