The Summit County Farm Bureau work year begins on October 1st and ends on September 30th. For those of us involved in running the SCFB, it’s hard to believe that the current year is fast drawing to a close.
The last year has been a productive one, full of exciting projects and activities. As we make plans for the year ahead, our goal is to build upon our past successes, while continuing to look for new opportunities to serve our members and surrounding communities.
However, before we launch into a new year, please join us as we look back on some of the highlights from the current year.
Summit County Farm Bureau 2010 – 2011 Year in Review:
Sponsored Family and Community Events
- Held a Family Fun Night at Luther Farms with food, friends, pumpkin cannon, corn maze, bonfire, door prizes, etc…
- Sponsored the 3rd Annual Farmers’ Share Breakfast
- Holding our annual meeting at The Winery at Wolf Creek on September 29th
Developed Educational Opportunities
- The Ag Mobile visited a half dozen schools this past year. (Next year, the SCFB will subsidize this program by paying $500.00 so that the schools only have to pay $100.00 for a visit. Our goal is to get it out to more schools through this tough economic time).
- In addition, Ag In The Classroom visited a couple schools. During this fun demonstration, 3rd graders learned where the different ingredients on a pizza come from in agriculture and were then treated to a pizza party.
- Developed the Akron Zoo kiosk, which extends our commitment to agricultural education beyond traditional local classrooms.
- Hosted a 4-County (Summit, Stark, Portage, Columbiana) Leadership Meeting with speakers Bob Jones of the Chef’s Garden and John Buck explaining the importance of effective communication. (John’s dog saved his life by calling information).
- The SCFB also sponsored a wide variety of educational seminars throughout the year. Topics covered included equine care, wild birds, poultry, canning and freezing, cooking with veggies, Workers’ Compensation, and “Protecting Your Farm” (in conjunction with Nationwide Insurance and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy).
Initiated Internal Improvements
We also made a number of internal improvements over the past year in order to better serve our members. These include:
- Developed a new website, which includes a Business Member directory (a hard copy of this was mailed to all members in January), calendar of events and community bulletin board. In July, we sponsored a $500 gas card drawing to promote our new website.
- Currently developing a Facebook Fan Page
- After over 40 years in the Canton Nationwide building, the office moved to a new, more convenient location in North Canton.
- Ran a successful membership campaign.
- Reviewed and revised our Code of Regulations.
Gave Back to Our Local Community
- Donated $500.00 each to the Haven of Rest, Salvation Army, Red Cross, and Akron/Canton Regional Food Bank.
- Purchased an ad in the 4-H equine program.
- Purchased 3 hogs during the fair auction and donated the meat to Haven of Rest and the Akron/Canton Food Bank.
Served as Advocates for Our Members
- President, Public Policy Action Team Leader, and a young farmer went to Columbus for Ag Day at the Capital.
- Sent our President to Washington D.C. to meet local representatives.
- Developed a county investment policy.
- Developed local, state, and national policies.
Supported the Summit County Fair and Farm Antiques Museum
- Paid for the Summit County Fair program and map and assisted with the distribution of this flyer during the fair.
- Spear-headed a thorough cleaning of the Farm Antiques Museum.
- Painted the Farm Antiques Museum
- Passed out free bottles of water during the fair to all visitors of the Farm Antiques Museum.
- Photographed each museum item to place with the written log of contents (for insurance purposes)
- Developed a videotaping project for museum contents and interviewed some senior members to discuss the changes in agriculture during their lifetime.
As you can see, 2010 – 2011 has been a very busy time for the Summit County Farm Bureau. Here’s to an even more productive year ahead!