Ohio AgriBusiness Association

Spring has arrived! As the season of growth begins, Ohio’s agribusinesses are ready to support farmers with the resources and expertise they need for a successful year ahead. Wishing everyone a safe and productive planting season!

Today, we celebrate the hard work and innovation that drive our industry! Agriculture fuels Ohio’s economy, feeds our communities, and shapes our future. Thank you to the agribusiness professionals who make it all possible.

The 2025 LAUNCH cohort wrapped up an incredible second session last month, diving deep into leadership, financial acumen and industry insights – and GRADUATING from the program! Congratulations! ?? Bryce Clary, Nutrien Ag Solutions ?? Jacquie Daniel, Morral Companies LLC. ?? Nichole Daniel, Centerra Co-Op ?? Abigail Hurst, Consolidated Grain & Barge Co. ?? Samantha Johnson, Deerfield Ag Services, Inc. ?? Bryce Mosher, Nutrien Ag Solutions ?? Ryan Parthemore, Morral Companies LLC. ?? Olivia Pflaumer, GLOBAL IMPACT STEM ACADEMY ?? Nathan Simon, Legacy Farmers Cooperative Read more here: https://bit.ly/3XKMK5W And thank you to our speakers, guests and hosts: CoBank, Star Of The West Milling Company, Crestcom International, Centerra Co-Op, United Producers Inc., Krile Communications LLC, Kalmbach Feeds Inc. and more!

Melinda's Monthly Memo—A message from the OABA President & CEO: OABA participated in the American Ag Retailers DC Fly in event last week. Nick Franks, Blake Gates, Brian Mason and I had an inspiring day in our nation’s capital, standing up for Ohio’s agribusiness industry and the future of agriculture! Advocacy is the key to progress, and we’re proud to champion policies that empower our farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. Grateful for the opportunity to engage with leaders who shape the policies that impact our industry every day. Together, we’re driving agriculture forward!

OABA is in the spotlight! Our President & CEO, Melinda Witten, joined the Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast to share her vision for the organization and key goals for 2025 and beyond. If you haven't already, get to know Melinda and hear how OABA is leading the way in Ohio agribusiness!

Melinda's Monthly Memo—A message from the OABA President & CEO: I had the privilege of attending my first OABA Industry Conference alongside 350+ members, sponsors, and speakers—and I walked away inspired. Three key takeaways: 1?? Our membership is diverse, and so are the challenges we face. 2?? Despite uncertainty, our members are embracing growth and opportunity over stagnation. 3?? The Ohio AgriBusiness Association is strong—powered by the passion, resilience, and innovation of our members. The future of OABA is bright, and I’m honored to be part of it!

That’s a wrap on the 2025 OABA Industry Conference! Over the past three days, industry professionals from across Ohio came together to learn, connect, and collaborate—strengthening our ag community for the future. Check out some highlights from all three days! ?? ??Day 1?focused on safety, equipping attendees with essential knowledge and best practices to keep our workplaces and industry safe. ??Day 2?featured insightful sessions, meaningful discussions, and well-deserved recognitions at the Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon, closing with great networking at the Industry Reception. ??Day 3?wrapped up the conference with impactful keynotes, interactive breakout sessions, and key takeaways to apply in the year ahead. A huge THANK YOU to our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees for making this event a success! Your support and engagement fuel important conversations and drive innovation in our industry.

Kicking off our 2025 LAUNCH Class this year with leadership sessions & a visit to the Ohio Statehouse!

Register now for the 2025 OABA Industry Conference! Early bird deadline ends TODAY, January 15! Take advantage of discounted pricing before rates increase on January 16. Event Details: ?? Columbus, Ohio ?? January 28-30, 2025 Join agribusiness leaders from across Ohio for engaging sessions, impactful networking, and the latest industry insights. ?? oaba.net/events_conference

Legislative Wins for Ohio Agribusinesses! OABA is proud to celebrate two major legislative victories for our members! ??? House Bill 238: After months of collaboration and advocacy, OABA secured a compromise to preserve Ohio’s grain tester certification program, ensuring efficient grain grading while streamlining the process with updated training and recertification requirements. This bill has successfully passed the legislature and is on its way to Governor Mike DeWine for signature. House Bill 503: By working closely with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, OABA helped clarify definitions in the Grain Indemnity Program, addressing challenges with Delayed Pricing Agreements and ensuring consistent practices for Ohio’s grain handlers. This bill was signed into law by Governor DeWine on December 19. These wins demonstrate the power of OABA’s advocacy efforts and the strength of our members’ voices. Thank you to our members, partners, and supporters for your dedication to advancing Ohio agriculture. Together, we’re shaping a stronger future for our industry! Read more: https://bit.ly/3BsJBjz