Agriculture & Rural Communities

As Ohio’s first Senator on the Agriculture Committee in more than forty years, I am honored to represent our state’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Approximately one out of every seven Ohio jobs is in agriculture, our state’s largest industry. Today, Ohio farmers not only put food on our tables, but also grow feed for our animals and provide clean energy for vehicles nationwide.  With ingenuity, self-reliance and bedrock American values, Ohio’s small towns and rural communities are the lifeblood of our state.  As the Chair of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Jobs, Rural Economic Growth, and Energy Innovation, I will fight to make sure the 2012 farm bill reflects the locally-identified priorities of Ohio’s rural communities and bolsters Ohio’s number one industry to create jobs and strengthen our economy. 

    Latest

  • Brown Announces Federal Resources To Update Farm Equipment In Shelby County

    New resources have been awarded to a business in Shelby County to purchase a new energy-efficient grain dryer.  U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that a Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant of $19,281 has been awarded to Elsass Farms, Inc. from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development agency. The grant will allow Elsass Farms, Inc. to replace an old grain dryer with a new energy-efficient model, saving 84,569 kilowatt hours annually. 

    “A new grain dryer will help Elsass Farms save on its energy costs,” Brown said. “These new resources will help Elsass Farms make the necessary updates to…Read More

    Posted on 10/22/2012 | Rural Development, Farms, energy efficient, Energy, USDA, Grant
  • Brown Announces Federal Resources for Technical and Business Development at Kent State University

    New federal resources will provide Kent State University with a new technical assistance center for worker-owned cooperative businesses in Ohio. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that Kent State University will receive a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to fund a center that will provide technical assistance to worker-owned cooperative businesses in Ohio. Some examples of technical assistance include help marketing products, assistance creating new value-added products, and guidance setting up a new manufacturing process.

    “Small businesses-especially in rural communities—are the backbone of our…Read More

    Posted on 10/17/2012 | USDA, Grant, rural, Rural Development, Business
  • Brown Announces Loan To Build New Fire Station In Trumbull County

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  - New resources have been awarded to a community in Trumbull County to build a new fire station.  U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that a Community Facility Loan of $3.2 million has been granted to Bazetta Township from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development agency. The loan will allow Bazetta to consolidate the department, which is currently housed in three outdated facilities.  The new project would merge the department under one roof.

    “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day across Ohio,” Brown said. “This federal loan will help ensure that Bazetta Township a safe place…Read More

    Posted on 10/5/2012 | Rural Development, rural, Fire department
  • Brown Announces Federal Resources For New Fire Truck In Knox County

    New federal resources will provide for the purchase of a new fire truck in Knox County. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District will receive a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to purchase a new 2,500 gallon tanker to replace an older tanker that is beyond its useful life and unreliable. 

    “Our first responders put their lives on the line every day across Ohio,” said Brown. “These funds ensure that firefighters in Eastern Knox County have the resources-including a new fire truck—that they need to perf…Read More

    Posted on 10/5/2012 | Grant, rural, USDA, Rural Development
  • Brown Announces New Resources to Maintain Critical Infrastructure in Monroe County

    New resources will help maintain critical infrastructure in Monroe County. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that Green Township will receive a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to purchase a new backhoe to maintain the roads under its jurisdiction.

    “Ohio’s rural communities and small towns face a heavy burden when financing infrastructure projects,” Brown said. “This investment will help ensure that backroads and infrastructure are maintained in Green Township, which is important for small businesses and residents alike.”

    USDA Rural D…Read More

    Posted on 10/5/2012 | Roads, Grant, Infrastructure, Rural Development, rural, USDA
  • Sen. Brown Announces New Federal Resources For Business In Coshocton County

    A Coshocton County business will receive a federal loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make system improvements. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced The Frontier Power Company will receive a $6.4 million loan from USDA’s Rural Development branch.

    “Small businesses-especially in rural communities—are the backbone of our economy, creating up to two-thirds of new jobs in our country. Access to capital is vital for these small businesses,” Brown said. “These new resources from the Agriculture Department will allow The Frontier Power Company to continue serving residents of Coshocton County.”…Read More

    Posted on 10/5/2012 | Sen. Brown, Coshocton, rural, Rural Development, USDA, Business
  • Brown Announces Appointment Of Hancock Farmer To USDA Advisory Board

    A Hancock County farmer was named to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advisory board today. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that John B. Motter, from Jenera, was appointed to serve on the United Soybean Board. Motter’s three-year term will begin in December. 

    “Mr. Motter’s leadership and expertise will make him a great addition to the Soybean Board,” Brown said. “Ohio’s representation on the board is critical to Ohio consumers and soybean producers throughout our state.”

    USDA Sec. Tom Vilsack selected the appointees from nominations submitted by Qualified State Soybean Boards.  The…Read More

    Posted on 9/26/2012 | Ohio, USDA