LIMA — On the penultimate morning of the 174th Allen County Fair, the Lima Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly Wake, Rattle and Roll networking event as the fairgrounds opened early on Friday, bringing the Lima business community to the signature agricultural event in the county.
The fair itself, a corporate sponsor of the event, provided a prime backdrop for the gathering, which featured a presentation from Troy Elwer, the Fair’s Promotions and Operations Manager.
Elwer praised the fair’s success, highlighting strong community support and favorable weather, although he refrained from sharing specific attendance numbers, he was proud of the turnout thus far. He also introduced his team of directors and the Junior Fair Royalty.
Adam Sharp, Executive Vice President of the Ohio Farm Bureau, delivered the keynote address.
Sharp, who has been with the organization since 2016 and brings 25 years of experience in farm policy, opened with a stark assessment of the current agricultural climate.
“It’s a critical time for agriculture,” Sharp noted. “We haven’t seen a rise in food costs like this in our lifetimes.”
He referenced data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pointing out that farmland values are at record highs.
While this might seem positive, Sharp explained that it translates into higher taxes and increased pressure on farmers.
“We’re experiencing the largest two-year farm income decline in U.S. history,” Sharp warned. “It hasn’t reared its ugly head yet, but it’s coming.”
Sharp discussed the broader challenges facing farmers, including uncontrollable factors like weather and potential droughts. He also highlighted that the U.S. is now a net food importer for the first time in history, a significant shift from its traditional self-sufficiency.
To address these issues, Sharp and the Ohio Farm Bureau are advocating for a new farm bill to strengthen safety nets for farmers, push for trade agreements, and reduce regulatory burdens to create a more stable business environment.
The Bureau met the state’s goal in 2021 with a 40% reduction in dissolved reactive phosphorus, a key pollutant in water bodies, according to Lake Erie Commission data.
“Agriculture is doing our part,” Sharp affirmed.
Sharp ensured they would pull through these tough times if everyone can work together efficiently.
The next ‘Wake, Rattle, and Roll’ networking event will be held from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Sept. 27, at Lima’s Veterans Memorial Civic Center.
Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351
