COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Farm Bureau’s officers were elected during the organization’s 103rd annual meeting Dec. 9-10, 2021 in Columbus.
Bill Patterson of Chesterland has been re-elected president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, the highest elected office in Ohio’s largest and most influential farm and food organization.
Patterson, a member of Ohio Farm Bureau’s state board since 2011, previously served terms as both OFBF’s first vice president and treasurer. He is a 26-year member of the Geauga County Farm Bureau and will continue to serve as the District 4 trustee representing Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties.
Patterson farms with his family, raising apples, strawberries, peaches and producing maple syrup. The agritourism operation includes a farm market, bakery, fall fun fest, Pick-Your-Own apples and strawberries and a wedding venue. They also wholesale apple cider throughout northeast Ohio.
Patterson received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Ohio State University. He also is a graduate of Ohio’s Leadership Education and Development Program – Class VII.
Cy Prettyman of New Bloomington has been re-elected first vice president. He will remain as the District 7 representative, covering Crawford, Marion, Morrow and Richland counties.
Prettyman farms with his family, raising corn and soybeans and has a direct-to-consumer beef enterprise. In addition, he has a 30-year agricultural career serving members in Ohio’s cooperative system. A 25-year member of Marion County Farm Bureau, Prettyman has served as its president and has been active with local and state Pork Producers Councils and Ohio Cattlemen’s Association.
He has a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from Ohio State University. He and his wife, Julie, have a daughter and son. They attend Trinity Evangelical UMC in Upper Sandusky.
Lane Osswald of Eldorado has been re-elected treasurer. Osswald, who has been a member of OFBF’s board of trustees for 10 years, will remain the representative for District 18, serving members in Butler, Hamilton, Montgomery and Preble counties.
Osswald’s family grows corn, soybeans and wheat and provides custom farming services and seed sales. He is a licensed commercial pesticide applicator and an experienced crop advisor for many local clients. He has been a member of Preble County Farm Bureau for 22 years, has served on the Ohio Soybean Association Board and is treasurer of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation.
In addition to Farm Bureau activities, Osswald served six years as the chair of the Preble County Planning Commission and currently serves on the Ohio State University Extension Advisory Committee. He has been a Preble County Pork Festival volunteer for over 40 years.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.
— Ohio Farm Bureau Federation