Local farmers, elected officials, and agricultural leaders – including Linda Venon President of Logan County Land Trust, Greg Knight Treasurer of Logan County Land Trust, and April King Secretary of Logan County Land Trust – came together on Thursday morning at Hopewell Methodist Church in Bellefontaine for the Logan County Farm Bureau’s Annual Policy Meeting, a vital gathering to discuss issues impacting the farming community and the future of Logan County’s rural landscape.
The meeting covered a wide range of important topics, including land preservation, drone activity, solar energy development, and updates on state conservation programs.
Land Preservation and Conservation Efforts
A major focus of the morning was the ongoing work to preserve Logan County’s agricultural land. Updates were provided on the H2Ohio program, which now has over 12,000 acres under contract to promote clean water and conservation initiatives.
Additionally, the Logan County Land Trust shared that it has secured preservation agreements on nearly 4,000 acres and continues to grow its list of Century Farms, currently numbering over 20. These efforts highlight the community’s strong commitment to protecting its agricultural heritage for future generations.
Concerns Over Drone Activity
An unexpected but critical topic was the increase in suspicious drone activity over rural properties. One local farmer shared his experience with drones flying close to his home, even appearing outside windows.
Logan County Commissioner Joe Antram acknowledged the concern and assured attendees that the Sheriff’s Office is actively collaborating with surrounding counties to investigate and address the issue.
Farm Bureau Director Jill Smith reminded attendees that while the situation is unsettling, federal law prohibits shooting down drones, and any suspicious activity should be reported immediately.
Support for CAUV Program
Commissioner Antram also urged strong continued support for the Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program, emphasizing that it remains a vital tool for farmers and is functioning as intended to keep agricultural land taxes fair.
Infrastructure and Future Planning
Logan County Engineer Scott Coleman spoke about the upcoming Issue 2 on the ballot—a renewal levy that would continue providing critical funding for infrastructure and public works without creating a new tax burden.
The potential development of a Master Land Use Plan was also discussed, with many attendees expressing enthusiasm for a structured plan that would guide responsible growth while preserving Logan County’s rural identity.
Extension Services and Community Outreach
Jacob King from The Ohio State University Extension Office provided an encouraging update, noting that Logan County once again has a dedicated extension agent and urged farmers and residents to take advantage of educational and outreach resources now available.
Looking Ahead
To wrap up the meeting, Farm Bureau leadership announced that the Logan County Annual Meeting will be held during the Logan County Fair later this year. While details are still being finalized, members were encouraged to stay tuned for more information.
The morning’s discussions reinforced the strong spirit of collaboration across Logan County’s farming and conservation communities. Events like these show how vital it is to come together, protect our agricultural resources, and thoughtfully plan for the future.
For more updates on land preservation efforts and ways to support conservation in Logan County, visit our Donate page. Together, we can protect our rural heritage for generations to come!