The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) applauds the recent passage of the state budget that includes continued funding for H2Ohio and other beneficial policy changes for Ohio soybean farmers. OSA farmer leaders have been working at the Statehouse throughout the budget process to ensure its members voices are heard.

“We thank the General Assembly and Gov. DeWine for their continued support of the H2Ohio program,” said Jerry Bambauer, OSA policy committee chair and Auglaize County soybean farmer. “These funds will maintain the success of H2Ohio and help even more farmers implement best management practices.”

Additionally, OSA supported the following:

• Rural broadband expansion
• The Ohio State University (OSU) Extension Service and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC)
• OSU’s Farm Production, Policy, and Financial Management Institute

In addition, OSA applauds the Ohio House for the recent passage of House Bill 95, sponsored by Representative Susan Manchester (R-Lakeview) and Representative Mary Lightbody (D-Plain Township) The bill allows tax credits for farmers, businesses, landlords that work with beginning farmers. Trish Cunningham, OSA board member and Delaware County soybean farmer, testified in support of the bill.

OSA was also pleased to see the recently announced 2021 Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) tables. Farmers continue to see low tax rates after adjustments were made to CAUV from legislative reforms in 2017.

“After years of high tax rates prior to 2017, it’s good to see that the hard work of both our legislature and OSA’s advocacy efforts are paying off and tax bills are at a reasonable level for Ohio soybean farmers.” Bambauer said.