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Ohio Farm Bureau members prepare for congressional visits on Capitol Hill

Ohio Farm Bureau members are passionate about advocating for the state’s agriculture industry in Washington D.C.

John Grafton, president of Jefferson County Farm Bureau, says it’s valuable for members to take the time to come to D.C. and speak with legislators.

“There are a number of items that we can talk to representatives and senators about, so they get the grassroots’ opinion,” he says.

Grafton tells Brownfield about some of the policy issues he and other OFBF members will be discussing with U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson.

“We’re going to be talking about the environmental issues. Bill is on that subcommittee. That’s going to be a big one with some of the restrictions being put on some of the crop chemicals that we use in agriculture,” he says. “Waters of the United States is going to be another issue because eastern Ohio gives some different runoff perspectives with the hills. We’re concerned about what they’re going to say is a navigable waterway.”

Grafton has a cow calf operation, poultry, honeybees, and some sheep and goats. Brownfield spoke to him during the 2023 Ohio Farm Bureau County Presidents’ Trip to D.C.