Photo provided From left, Sandy Monahan, Jerry Ebbert and Art Monahan as Ebbert presents them with an award.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — President Mike Burkhart conducted the Belmont County Farm Bureau 2024 Annual Meeting of members on Aug. 13 at The Market at Ebbert Farms.

At this meeting, the members voted on proposed policies, code of regulations and selected trustees for the Board of Trustees as well as delegates to the Ohio Farm Bureau 2025 Annual Meeting.

Policy issues included closing of old water wells, environmental court, veterans’ services and several others.

This year featured the inclusion of several area sponsors and displays, which the approximately 140 farm bureau members and guests were able to view prior to the meeting.

The Belmont County Soil and Water Conservation District provided educational information.

Gold sponsors were Ag Pro, Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream, Milestone Company Farm Insurance, The Cornerstone Group and Ohio Hills Health Centers. Silver sponsors included Bridgeport Equipment & Tool Rentals, D&J Sales & Service Inc., Johnson Insurance Agency and WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital. Bronze sponsors were Belmont Mills Inc., Burkhart Nursery, J-Mo Meats, Riesbeck’s Food Markets Inc., William Knox, CPA, and Woodsfield Savings Bank.

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.”

Dale Arnold, OFBF Director of Energy, presented “Doing Your Homework: Solar and Renewable Technology for Onsite Use.”

Many individuals were recognized during the evening. Outstanding board attendance winners were: Mike Burkhart, Alex Davidson, Richard Johnston, Roger Plumly, Frank Shaffer, Amanda Wharton and Rusty Winland.

Jerry Ebbert presented the Glenna Cain Distinguished Service Award to Art and Sandy Monahan for their dedication over many years to Belmont County Farm Bureau. State Rep. Don Jones, R-Freeport, was recognized as a Friend of Agriculture.

Thanks went to Burkhart Nursery for providing flowers, Rick Johnston for homemade honey and the Winland Family for homemade wine donated as door prizes.

The mission of Ohio Farm Bureau is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Anyone can join Farm Bureau by calling 740-425-3681 or visiting ohiofarmbureau.org.