About Us

Membership in the Ohio Agricultural Council is open to organizations, companies and individuals who have an interest in the well-being and promotion of the agricultural industry in Ohio. Annual dues are $200 for organizations, $25 for organization associates (must be a current employee, officer, owner or director of an organization member) and $50 for individuals ($25 for students).

The purpose of the Ohio Agricultural Council is:

• To provide a vehicle through which those interested in agriculture may work together; a place where members may exchange ideas, strive to achieve mutual understanding and where they may coordinate their efforts.
• To build a favorable image of Ohio's agriculture through an effective public relations program.

2011-2012 Executive Committee

• David Barrett, President
• Jenny Hubble, President Elect
• Jim Chakeres, Vice President
• Tom Schlenker, Past President
• Mike Bumgarner, Organization Member at Large
• Hinda Mitchell, Individual Member at Large
• Dave Arter, Secretary/Treasurer  (ex-officio)

OAC Programming Efforts

Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame - Created by the Ohio Agricultural Council in 1966, the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame has now honored more than 200 people who have dedicated their lives to Ohio's number one industry, agriculture. Enshrinement in the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame is Ohio's highest recognition of an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the agricultural industry. Each year four prominent agricultural leaders are honored and inducted into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame for their superior service, dedication, leadership and contributions to agriculture.

Hall of Fame Selection Process - Persons wishing to nominate an individual who he or she believes is deserving of consideration for induction into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame may secure a nomination form by calling 614-794-8970; emailing info@ohioagcouncil.org or writing to the Ohio Ag Council, 5950 Sharon Woods Blvd, Columbus, Ohio 43229. Nomination forms, along with three letters of recommendation, must be submitted by March 31, 2012, in order to be eligible for consideration in 2012.

Three to five members including a former inductee are asked to serve as the Hall of Fame selection committee. In order to retain a high degree of integrity, the identity of the members of the selection committee is kept in confidence and precautions are taken to avoid the possibility of an individual serving on the selection committee more than one time.

Member Meetings - The Ohio Agricultural Council hold two meetings per year at various central Ohio venues and features educational and entertaining guest speakers. The meetings are open to members and guests.

Ohio License Plate - The "Ohio Agriculture" license plate is now available for purchase at your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The plate was established under H.B. 293, sponsored by State Representative Bruce Goodwin of Defiance. The cost of the plate is an additional $30. Funds from the "Ohio Agriculture" license plate will be used for scholarships for students studying agriculture or a related field at an Ohio institution of higher learning. The scholarship funds will be disbursed by a board made up of representatives from the Ohio agriculture industry including: a representative from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Agricultural Council, the Ohio Corn Growers Association, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, the Ohio Soybean Association, the Ohio Young Farmers Association and The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.