Photo provided Belmont County Farm Bureau President Mike Burkhart, from left, meets with state Rep. Don Jones, R-Freeport, and county board Vice President Caity Romshak in Columbus.

COLUMBUS — Hundreds of Ohio Farm Bureau members, including representatives from Belmont County Farm Bureau, gathered in downtown Columbus to meet one-on-one with their state senators and representatives during Ohio Farm Bureau’s annual Ag Day at the Capitol on Feb. 21.

Ohio Farm Bureau priority issues such as eminent domain reform and additional landowner protections, water quality, a more resilient food system and the expansion of affordable high-speed broadband access were introduced, along with a host of other community issues.

Attendees also took part in a Leadership Panel with members of the 135th General Assembly discussing the future of important agriculture policies currently being considered in Columbus, including property taxes, environmental stewardship, education and workforce development and rural health care, among other topics.

The annual Ag Day at the Capitol event embodies the grassroots efforts of Ohio Farm Bureau member volunteers.

Belmont County President Mike Burkhart and Board Vice President Caity Romshak were there on behalf of Belmont County Farm Bureau. In addition to lawmakers, they also heard from Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson and Executive Vice President Adam Sharp between meetings with legislators at the Statehouse.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio Farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.