What’s Happening at OABA

Chris Henney Featured in CropLife® Magazine Article, “New Lease on Life for OABA”

Chris Henney was featured in a CropLife® magazine article about the future of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association, and the transition of the association with a new President and CEO. The article walks readers through Henney’s recent lead in the development of a new OABA mission, Henney’s thoughts on how members can be engaged with the association, key issues that OABA will be working through in the coming months and much more.

To read the full article, click here.

Legislative Update – OABA Supports House Bill 415

On February 7, OABA President and CEO Chris Henney submitted an official letter of support for House Bill 415, which is currently before the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. The letter was submitted to Dave Hall with the House of Representatives and committee chair, and provided support for updates to the Ohio Agricultural Linked Deposit Program (Ag-LINK). Ag-LINK is frequently used by Ohio farmers for short-term operating loans and is geared toward small or beginning farmers. House Bill 415 includes three changes to the program:

• It expands the dollars available through the loan from $125 million (currently) to $165 million (once enacted).
• It increases the amount of an individual loan from $100,000 to $150,000.
• It aligns with the statutory language to recommendations from the Ohio Treasurer’s office that is technical, but will not affect the way the program is currently being run.

To review the full letter, click here.

Food Coalition Meeting Held at New OABA Office

On March 2, the OABA hosted the Food Coalition meeting, which featured discussion with guest member Craig Butler, Assistant Policy Director with Governor Kasich’s office. The Food Coalition was formed in 2010 to allow organizations with food and agricultural interests to come together to discuss issues relating to Ohio agriculture. The Coalition is comprised of representatives from OABA, Ohio Association of Meat Processors, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, Ohio Dairy Producers Association, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Grocers Association, Ohio Pork Producers Council, Ohio Poultry Association, Ohio Produce Growers & Marketers Association, Ohio Restaurant Association and Ohio Soybean Council.

Chris Henney Talks with Brownfield Ag News’ Dave Russell

On March 2, Henney met with Dave Russell – Ohio Farm Director with Brownfield Ag News – to discuss the OABA’s new mission and goals, the future of the association, and upcoming events – including the upcoming Weed Resistance Workshops on February 28, 29 and March 1 across the state.

To view the article, click here.