Governor DeWine Declares March as Ohio Agriculture Month

In recognition of the importance of agriculture to the state, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel issued a proclamation declaring March as Ohio Agriculture Month.

The statewide celebration, led by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), is meant to recognize the farmers, agribusinesses, and food producers who power Ohio’s economy and feed communities at home and around the world.

“As we begin Ohio Agriculture Month, we’re proud to showcase our 74,000 farms and the people who work hard every day to keep our agriculture industry strong,” said Governor DeWine. “Ohio farmers feed our families, power our economy, and strengthen our communities, and we thank them for their dedication to serving Ohioans every day.”

“From families that have passed down farms for generations to the young people preparing to lead the next chapter of food innovation in our state, agriculture is foundational to Ohio’s strength and history,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “During Ohio Ag Month, we thank and celebrate the Ohioans who work hard every day to ensure we have food on our tables.”

“Ohio is the Heart of Agriculture,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “We live in a state with fertile land, abundant water and a temperate climate, this creates ideal conditions for more than 200 crops and livestock we produce in our state. This month is about celebrating those in the industry and growing awareness of its importance.”

Stats show food and agriculture is a $124 billion industry in the state, employing one out of eight people. Our state is home to approximately 74,000 farms, covering 13 million acres. Our farmers help provide Ohioans with nutritious, local products.

Ohio ranks (out of 50 states)*:

• #1 in Swiss cheese (155 million lbs.)
• #2 in eggs (11.8 billion)
• #5 in soybeans (281.9 million bushels)
• #7 in corn (594.6 million bushels)
• #8 in maple syrup (96,000 gallons)
• #8 in Hog inventory (2.7 million head)
• #10 in Turkey inventory (6.1 million head)
• #10 in Winter Wheat (36.7 million bushels)
• #10 in beef farms (15,601 farms)
• #11 in Sheep/Lamb Inventory (125,000 head)
• #12 in milk production (5.5 billion lbs.)

*Census of Agriculture, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service August 2024

Statewide Tour to Spotlight Ohio Agriculture

Throughout March, Director Baldridge will travel across Ohio visiting with farmers, business leaders, elected officials, and youth to highlight the diversity and impact of Ohio’s agriculture industry.

Toolkit Encourages Statewide Participation

To encourage others to join in the celebration, ODA has developed an Ohio Agriculture Month toolkit available on its website. The toolkit includes:

• Social media graphics and suggested messaging
• Educational resources
• Information on how to support Ohio farmers

Ohioans are encouraged to participate by supporting local farmers, purchasing Ohio-grown products and learning more about the industry that touches every Ohioan each day.

To view the toolkit and for more information on Ohio Agriculture Month, please visit agri.ohio.gov/AgMonth.