Hello Summit County! Spring has sprung and here we go on another brand new year
with a brand new season.
Being on the Farm Bureau Board brings a lot of insights, opportunities and privileges to
us. Insights on Ag related issues going on in the county, state and country.
Opportunities to meet our legislators, other farmers and voice our opinions and
concerns going on at a political level. And a privilege in representing Summit County
Farm Bureau, as your president.
In February, Matt Hartong, Hannah Getz and I attended Ag Day at the Capitol. Along
with all the other counties in the state, we had the opportunity to advocate for agriculture
to our state representatives. Bringing issues like property taxes, CAUV, eminent
domain, land use, water quality and land preservation were a few of the key topics we
are trying to voice to our legislators. With population and development on the rise and
farming on the decline, these issues are becoming more and more important every day.
In March, I had the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. for our annual presidents’ trip.
Going to D.C. is always a great opportunity to speak one on one with your Congress
person to let them know what’s going on in your county and to put a voice and face with
our story. Taxes, imports/exports, trades, labor, and farm policy are a few of the key
topics that are always on our mind as farmers.
Meeting with J.D. Vance and Sherrod Brown is always a great opportunity to speak to
and represent our State of Ohio and the Ohio Farm Bureau. The Farm Bill is still not
approved and we are hoping for fall. Everyone, whether you are in Ag or not, is relying
on this Bill to pass. Things like the Snap Program (food stamps) and Crop Insurance
are a few vital things that the farmer and the people need in this Bill.
So, how does a farmer have time to take advantage of all these great opportunities to
represent our county? It’s because of my family on our family farm; my dad, wife,
cousins, brother, nephews and nieces. These are the people that I can rely on when
I’m off representing Summit County Farm Bureau in any possible way. We are a family
farm and a local farm family still farming!
Thank you for allowing me to represent you!
Tim Luther
Summit County Farm Bureau President
5th Generation Farmer in Richfield, Ohio
