USDA Rural Development's Value-Added Producer Grant program helps farmers create new products, expand markets and strengthen rural economies. Charles Tassell, state director for USDA Rural Development joins the podcast to talk about the program and the ways the agency is working to support Ohioans.

Grain bin accidents remain one of the most serious safety risks on the farm. Laramie Sandquist, senior associate vice president of risk management for Nationwide Agribusiness, joins the podcast to discuss how Nationwide is working with farmers, equipping local fire departments and raising awareness around grain bin safety.

Don Jones, State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency, joins the podcast to discuss the steps the administration has taken over the past year to strengthen agriculture and support Ohio farmers.

Sharing your story matters when it comes to shaping policy. John Newton, Ph.D., vice president of public policy and economic analysis at American Farm Bureau, joins the podcast to discuss why member engagement is critical at the state and national levels. Craig Grooms, president and CEO of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, also joins to discuss data centers coming to Ohio and how co-ops are planning for the increased demand while protecting members and consumers.

Water quality has long been a priority for Ohio Farm Bureau, and through the work of farmers and agricultural partners, we are seeing measurable progress in Ohio's water resources. Jay Martin, Ph.D., professor for Ohio State CFAES, and Jordan Hoewischer, Ohio Farm Bureau director of water quality and research, join the podcast to break down the recent research and advocacy efforts helping drive that progress.

Not all risks on the farm can be seen. On this episode, Laura Mattimoe of Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation joins the podcast to explain how common gases pose an unseen risk in agriculture and share practical ways to help keep you, your family and your operation safe.

Signing a will is an important step in any estate plan, but it's only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to succession. Elizabeth Fisher of Wright & Moore Law joins to share tips and key things couples and farm families should keep in mind. Nick Anderson, vice president of ag claims, operations and transformation at Nationwide, also joins to talk about how Nationwide is helping protect farmers during the freezing temperatures.

Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences is opening the Multispecies Animal Learning Complex this month. Dr. Graham Cochran joins the podcast to share what the state-of-the-art facility means for hands-on learning and opportunities for students and STEM education. Brian Glenn of the American Farm Bureau also discusses farm programs and advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C.

New Opportunities and Needed Programs by Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast

Brad Bales, senior director of state and national policy joins the podcast to recap how Ohio Farm Bureau advocated for member-set policies at American Farm Bureau’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Voting Delegates.