Town Hall Ohio

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and while farmers are known for their resilience and ability to overcome challenges, there is still a stigma around mental health in many rural communities. Guests from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation and the Agricultural Navigator Program join the podcast to discuss the challenges facing farm families, the importance of support systems and the resources available across rural Ohio.

As Nationwide celebrates 100 years, we sit down with CEO Kirt Walker to talk about the company’s century-long history, its partnership with Ohio Farm Bureau and how the organization continues to evolve while staying grounded in the people and communities it serves.

Labor remains a top challenge facing agriculture. On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by FieldClock and Great Lakes Ag Labor Services on how their services help lighten the load for business owners when it comes to regulation, payroll management and day to day operations.

On this episode, we talk with Ryan Conklin and Kaitlyn Richard of Wright & Moore Law about their landowner advocacy, the importance of experienced representation and how landowners can protect their interests when navigating major business decisions tied to their land.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and with spring planting underway, rural road safety takes on even greater importance. On this episode, we talk with Laramie Sandquist of Nationwide Agribusiness about the risks distracted driving poses and the importance of sharing the road.

As Ohio prepares for the upcoming gubernatorial primary, Ohio Farm Bureau is committed to helping our members stay informed on candidates and their platforms on Ohio agriculture and rural communities. On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Vivek Ramaswamy to discuss his potential priorities for Ohio, including agriculture, economic development, workforce development and the realities facing farm families. (This episode was recorded on 03/18/2026) As a bipartisan organization, Ohio Farm Bureau extended an open invitation to all leading gubernatorial candidates to share their perspectives on agriculture, and we look forward to future conversations.

ExploreAg directly connects students to career opportunities in agriculture. Katie Share joins the podcast to break down what the program is, what's new for 2026, and why it plays a key role in building Ohio's future workforce.

How people understand agriculture often comes down to what they hear directly from farmers. On this episode, we are joined by Emily Sword of Inspire to talk about why sharing your story matters and how your "brand" plays a critical role in business and shaping perception.

A shortage of large animal veterinarians is raising concerns for farmers, livestock care and the food supply chain. Dr. Leah Dorman with Ohio State’s Protect OHIO program joins the podcast to discuss the issue and the work underway to build the next generation of rural veterinarians.

In celebration of National and Ohio Agriculture Month, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge joins the podcast to discuss efforts to support and promote Ohio's No. 1 industry.

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.

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.

Ohio Farm Bureau made a strong showing at the 107th American Farm Bureau Convention, with nine counties featured in the County Activities of Excellence Showcase and three members competing in Young Farmer and Rancher events. On this episode, the competitors discuss their respective contests, how they prepared and what this national experience means to them.