Photo provided Dean Cain of the Belmont County Farm Bureau talks to members of the bureau during their annual meeting held Aug. 9 in St. Clairsville. New President Alex Davidson received the leadership reins from Cain, the outgoing president.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — President Devin Cain conducted the Belmont County Farm Bureau 2022 Annual Meeting of Members held Aug. 9 at The Market at Ebbert Farms, St. Clairsville.

At this meeting the members voted on proposed policies, code change and selected Trustees for the Board of Trustees as well as Delegates to the Ohio Farm Bureau 2023 Annual Meeting.

Policy issues included broadband access, support of law enforcement, township funding, oil and gas issues, and hunting support.

Again, this year was the inclusion of several area sponsors and displays which the approximate 160 Farm Bureau members and guests were able to view prior to the meeting. Captina Conservancy provided educational information. The Gold Sponsors were Ag Pro, Kirkes’ Homemade Ice Cream, The Market at Ebbert Farms, Ohio Hills Health Centers, and WVU Medicine/Barnesville Hospital.

The Silver Sponsors included Doan Ford, Johnson Insurance Agency, WesBanco Bank, and Woodsfield Savings Bank. The Bronze Sponsor were Belmont Mills Inc., Belmont Petroleum Corp, D&J Sales and Service Inc., Milestone Company Farm Insurance, Riesbeck’s Food Markets, Inc., William Knox, CPA.

Senior Organization Director Betsy Anderson said, “Farm Bureau depends on volunteers to accomplish our goals and policies. Belmont County has dedicated volunteers that carry out numerous community programs.”

Carson Phillips, Union Local FFA member, presented his prepared speech that he recently placed second with in state competition. It deals with mental health issues in agriculture.

Gene Plumly was recognized for being a Farm Bureau member for more than 65 years.

New President Alex Davidson received the leadership reins from outgoing president Devin Cain.

Cain and Martha Winland were recognized as retiring Board of Trustee members having served for two terms.

Outstanding board attendance winners recognized were: Devin Cain, Jerry Ebbert, and Richard Johnston.

Harold Kemp, DVM, received the Glenna Cain Distinguished Service Award for his dedication over many years to Belmont County Farm Bureau.