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Winter Wheat Seeding Rate in Ohio Setting the right winter wheat seeding rate starts with a more useful question than simply, “How many pounds should I plant?” Seed size can vary, which means the same number of pounds may contain different numbers of seeds. That is why Ohio wheat recommendations are commonly expressed in seeds
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Best Time to Plant Corn in Ohio Choosing the best time to plant corn in Ohio is not just a matter of circling a date on the calendar. Growers need to consider location, soil temperature, field conditions, and the near-term weather forecast before moving into the field. Ohio State agronomic guidance recommends planting corn from
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Bushels of Corn Per Acre: What Ohio Growers Should Know How many bushels of corn can one acre produce? It is a simple question with a more useful answer than a single number. A statewide yield can provide context, but it does not tell an individual grower what every field should produce. Weather, field conditions,
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Wheat Planting Depth: How Deep Should Ohio Growers Plant Wheat? Getting wheat planting depth right is one of the small details that can have a major effect on stand establishment. Seed that is too shallow may struggle with inconsistent moisture and poor seed-to-soil contact. Seed placed too deep may take longer to emerge and use
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Soil Testing for Corn: A Practical Guide for Ohio Growers Good corn fertility decisions start with knowing what is already in the soil. Soil testing for corn gives growers a clearer picture of soil pH, nutrient availability, organic matter, and other factors that can affect crop performance. Instead of treating every acre the same, test
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Farm Succession Planning Issues: 7 Barriers Ohio Farm Families Should Address Early Passing a farm from one generation to the next involves much more than transferring land, equipment, and business assets. It also means working through family expectations, financial realities, management responsibilities, and questions about what the farm should look like in the future. That
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Congress introduced legislation to expand nationwide, year-round access to E15 fuel. Ohio Representative Max Miller (R-7th District) co-sponsored the bill. The Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association urges Ohio’s congressional delegation and senators to support and pass the resolution. This action will provide crucial support for our nation’s energy sector, relief at the gas pump
Year-Round E15 Legislation Reintroduced in Congress Read More »
Ohio Corn & Wheat (OCW) is proud to announce the newly elected leaders for the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, the Ohio Corn Marketing Program, and the Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program for the upcoming year. “Our board members play a vital role in our organization’s success,” stated Tadd Nicholson, Executive Director of Ohio
2025 Ohio Corn & Wheat Leadership and Board Officers Read More »
The National Corn Growers Association expressed optimism after Mexico rescinded portions of its restrictions on genetically modified corn. The Mexico biotech corn ban has been a significant trade issue for U.S. corn growers, particularly because Mexico is a major market for U.S. corn exports. The development is an outgrowth of corn grower advocacy that
Mexico Biotech Corn Ban Update for U.S. Corn Growers Read More »
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Meet Mike Stover
Mike Stover brings both experience and vision to his role on the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association Board. A corn, wheat, and soybean grower from Richland County, Mike has been serving on the board since 2022, where he’s quickly established himself as a thoughtful leader who’s focused on the future of Ohio agriculture.
Mike’s passion goes beyond his own fields. He actively works to strengthen the connections among farmers, communities, and agricultural policies. His interests in exports, sustainability, and farmer education reflect his belief that Ohio’s grain industry can thrive if we embrace new opportunities and equip the next generation.
Farmers across the state know Mike as someone who listens, learns, and leads with purpose. His commitment to both innovation and tradition makes him a strong advocate for Ohio grain growers.
Meet Jared Cox
Jared Cox blends hands-on farming experience with leadership in agribusiness as a partner at Relentless Ag, which offers seed, crop protection, and agronomy services to regional farmers. His dual role as a grower and an agronomy expert provides him with a distinctive perspective on the challenges and opportunities that modern producers encounter.
In 2024, Jared was selected as one of ten participants in the Ohio Corn & Wheat Emerging Leaders Summit, a program designed to develop the next generation of farmer-leaders in advocacy, communication, and leadership. His continued involvement with the Ohio Corn Marketing Program keeps him actively engaged in initiatives that support Ohio agriculture, focusing on proactive agronomy and helping fellow farmers build profitable, resilient farms.
Meet Jed Bower
From his farm in Fayette County to Washington, D.C., Jed Bower has built a reputation as a leader who influences both local and national levels. Currently serving as President of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), he directs the country’s largest grassroots corn grower organization, demonstrating the respect he has gained as a representative for farmers in Ohio and nationwide.
Besides his leadership role with NCGA, Jed is also a member of the Ohio Corn Marketing Program Board, where he helps guide checkoff investments that expand markets and build demand.
Jed’s priorities mirror both global vision and on-farm needs: expanding exports, supporting livestock, developing new uses for corn, and boosting profitability.
Meet Karyn Forman
Karyn Forman farms corn, wheat, and soybeans in Southwest Ohio with her husband, a third-generation farmer, and their two sons. For Karyn, farming isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life and a legacy she and her family are working hard to grow.
She serves on the Board of the Ohio Corn Marketing Program and represents Ohio on the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Karyn also lends her voice to the Western Hemisphere Advisory Team for the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council, where she champions exports of corn in all its forms.
With degrees in Communication from Xavier University and Accounting from the University of Phoenix, Karyn spent years in the corporate world before coming home to farm. Today, she’s grateful to work side by side with her family, blending her business background with her passion for agriculture.
Meet Scott Haerr
Scott Haerr understands that Ohio’s grain future depends on strong markets both locally and internationally. As a grower of corn and soybeans in Clark and Champaign Counties, he uses his role as vice chair of the Ohio Corn Marketing Program Board to promote export opportunities and market expansion that benefit farmers statewide.
Equally important to Scott is connecting agriculture with teachers, students, and consumers. He is passionate about demonstrating how grain production affects daily life, from the food we eat to the fuel we rely on, and believes education is one of the most powerful tools for building trust in farming. By blending grassroots experience with a talent for outreach, Scott is a grower-leader working to secure agriculture’s place in Ohio’s future.
Meet Nathan Leis
Nathan Leis grows corn and soybeans in Montgomery County, Ohio, and brings both practical farm experience and a forward-looking vision to his role on the Ohio Corn Marketing Program Board. He is dedicated to making sure Ohio’s farmers are represented in discussions that influence markets and agricultural opportunities.
With a strong interest in expanding exports, advancing sustainability, and exploring new uses for corn, Nathan concentrates on solutions that benefit future generations. His blend of grassroots knowledge and dedication to innovation demonstrates the leadership necessary to keep Ohio’s grain industry competitive and resilient.
Meet Kelly Harsh
Kelly Harsh is a corn and soybean farmer from Delaware County, Ohio. Kelly brings a mix of farming experience and leadership to her role on the Ohio Corn Marketing Program Board, having previously served on the National Corn Growers Association Board of Directors, representing growers nationwide.
Kelly offers a unique perspective that connects family farming realities with the decisions shaping the future of agriculture. Her interests include increasing exports, promoting sustainability, and exploring alternative uses for corn that boost profitability for Ohio farmers.
Meet Patty Mann
Patty Mann is a dedicated corn and soybean grower from Shelby County, Ohio. Today, she leads with both experience and vision as the Chair of the Ohio Corn Marketing Program Board. A respected voice in agriculture, she previously served as President of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association and has helped shape national policy through her service with the National Corn Growers Association and the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council.
Beyond her service in Ohio, Patty also plays a global role as vice lead of the Western Hemisphere Advisory Team for the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council, helping shape strategies to strengthen markets across the Americas.
Passionate about expanding exports, creating demand for ethanol, and empowering the next generation through farmer education, Patty is committed to advancing Ohio’s grain industry and amplifying the voices of farmers nationwide.
Meet Randy Campbell
Randy Campbell is a lifelong farmer from Homeworth, Ohio, where he works with his family at Campbell Brothers Farm, known for its conservation practices and innovative crop production methods. Alongside his brothers, Randy has been a leader in adopting precision agriculture and was among the first in the region to implement no-till farming, starting in the 1980s.
The Campbell family’s dedication to stewardship has earned them recognition, including being named “Cooperator of the Year” by the Stark County Soil & Water Conservation District. Today, Randy continues to build on that legacy by combining proven conservation methods with innovative ideas to ensure the farm stays strong for generations to come.
As a member of the Ohio Corn Marketing Program board, Randy applies that same forward-thinking approach to checkoff investments that benefit farmers across the state. His experience in conservation and precision farming helps guide programs that expand markets, fund research, and keep Ohio’s corn industry competitive.
Meet Anthony Bush
Anthony Bush is a corn and soybean farmer from Morrow County, Ohio, with decades of experience advocating for grain farmers at the state, national, and international levels. As a member of the Ohio Corn Marketing Program Board, Anthony provides both the perspective of a working farmer and the insight of a seasoned leader who has represented U.S. agriculture in policy discussions around trade, markets, and farmer profitability.
On the Ohio Corn Marketing Board, Anthony has been a driving force in promoting the benefits of ethanol fuel and taking a leadership role in educating the public about its value as a clean, affordable, homegrown energy source. He played a key role in securing a high-profile sponsorship with the Ohio State Tractor Pull Association and the National Tractor Pull Association, giving the Ohio Corn Checkoff a strong platform to showcase Unleaded 88 to thousands of consumers during the busy summer driving season.
Meet Nate Bair
Nate Bair offers a global perspective to his position on the Ohio Corn Marketing Program Board, emphasizing exports, livestock markets, sustainability, and new innovative uses for corn. His passion lies in boosting demand through renewable fuels and emerging bioproducts to ensure a robust future for Ohio agriculture.
On his farm in Wyandot County, where he grows corn, wheat, soybeans, and hay, Nate combines hands-on experience with a forward-looking vision to help Ohio’s farm families stay competitive and resilient.
Meet Craig Downing
Craig Downing, a multigeneration farmer from Putnam County, Ohio, continues a proud family farming tradition by working alongside two of his adult children. As Secretary/Treasurer of the Ohio Corn Marketing Program Board, he leads efforts to direct checkoff funds toward expanding markets, supporting research, and helping growers achieve long-term success.
In addition to his leadership in the Vaughnsville Community Association, Craig is focusing on the future of agriculture by supporting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). He sees SAF as a key opportunity that could strengthen the importance of corn in boosting the economy and supporting the next generation of farmers. Craig also serves on the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Councils Ethanol Advisory Team and the National Corn Growers Association Research and New Uses Action Team.
Craig combines generational experience, community leadership, and a forward-looking vision for new markets to help advance Ohio’s corn industry.
Meet Zach Alger
Zach Alger is a fifth-generation farmer from Portage County, Ohio. He works alongside his family at Grac-Glen Farms, where they raise dairy cattle and beef steers, and grow corn, soybeans, and wheat. For Zach, farming is about carrying on a proud family tradition while finding new ways to keep the operation strong for the future.
Zach Alger is a third-generation farmer in Portage County, Ohio. He works alongside his family at Alger Family Farm LLC, where they raise feedlot cattle, a small group of cow/calf pairs and most recently a registered Shorthorn herd. They grow corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay.
For Zach, farming is about carrying on a proud family tradition while finding new ways to keep the operation strong for the future.
Meet Ken Swartz
Ken Swartz is a grain farmer from Perrysburg, Ohio, where he grows corn, soybeans, and wheat on his family’s operation in Wood County. A dedicated supporter of the future of agriculture, Ken is an alumnus of the 2024 Ohio Corn & Wheat Emerging Leaders program, which aims to equip farmers with skills in leadership, communications, advocacy, and more.
Ken’s commitment goes beyond the farm. He actively participates in key discussions about Ohio agriculture, from conservation efforts to market growth, offering a perspective grounded in stewardship and profitability.
Meet Mike Zeedyk
Mike Zeedyk is more than a corn and soybean farmer from Defiance County, Ohio; he also serves as a leader, mentor, and advocate dedicated to the future of agriculture. As part of the Ohio Corn Marketing Program Board, he plays a key role in directing checkoff funds that bolster markets, support research, and develop new opportunities for Ohio farmers.
Mike is actively involved in his community, volunteering with the Defiance County Farm Bureau, supporting youth through the Hicksville Herdsman 4-H Club, serving his local school district and FFA Chapter, and participating at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
On his family farm, Mike and his wife raise crops and the next generation of leaders, teaching values of stewardship, service, and innovation to their children. Whether shaping policy, mentoring youth, or strengthening Ohio’s farm economy, Mike embodies what it means to be both a grower and a changemaker.
Meet Eric Tipton
Eric Tipton combines leadership with practical farming experience in his role as Vice President of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association. A farmer of corn, wheat, and soybeans from Fayette County, Eric has been a board member of OCWGA since 2021.
In addition to his farming work, Eric owns and operates Progressive Edge Ag Service, a company that specializes in precision equipment to help farmers improve their efficiency and profits with technology. His experience as a producer and an agribusiness owner gives him unique insight into the daily challenges faced by Ohio grain growers.
Eric actively participates in the OCWGA Political Action Committee, advocating for farmers’ interests on important issues like expanding export markets and promoting policies that protect the right to farm. His passion for agriculture also drives his commitment to supporting 4-H and FFA programs in Fairfield and Fayette Counties.
Meet Scott Ruck
Scott Ruck sees agriculture as more than just a career; it’s part of who he is. A corn and soybean farmer from Wooster, Ohio, he understands the challenges and opportunities of farming.
Scott currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, where he has been a trusted advocate for policies that enhance profitability and sustainability for growers across the state. His leadership goes beyond Ohio; Scott is an active board member with the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), where he works to elevate Ohio’s priorities to the national level.
Besides farming, Scott owns and operates Harvest Tactics, a precision drone service and agronomic consulting business. He is particularly interested in policy and sustainability, believing that the two go hand in hand in building a resilient future for Ohio’s farms.
Meet Sam Boyce
Combining his work as a grain and livestock producer with his role as a Certified Crop Advisor, Sam Boyce brings experience and technical expertise to the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association board. A corn, wheat, soybean, hay, and livestock producer from Shelby, Ohio, Sam also runs Custom Agronomic Solutions, where he serves fellow producers as a Certified Crop Advisor.
Sam’s energy, insight, and ability to connect with real-world farm issues have allowed him to make an impact on the OCWGA board. He is especially focused on expanding export markets, exploring new uses for corn and wheat, and strengthening farmer education so that growers of all ages are prepared for long-term success.
Rooted in his FFA background and community involvement, Sam blends practical experience with forward-thinking vision. He understands what it takes to work the land and is committed to ensuring Ohio agriculture remains strong.
Meet Gary Wilson
Gary Wilson is a farmer whose wisdom and experience are matched only by his dedication to serving others. A corn, wheat, soybean, hay, and sorghum grower in Hancock County, Gary has spent his career guiding and mentoring others.
When he’s not in the field with his kids and grandkids, Gary is serving on numerous boards and organizations that support farmers and rural communities. He is active in the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association, Ohio Forage and Grassland Council, Ohio Farm Bureau, Hancock County Cattlemen’s Association, Hancock County Fair Sale Committee, Hancock County Sheep Association, the Arlington FFA Alumni Association, and he is a member of the Ag Credit Board of Directors. Additionally, he actively participates in the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Production and Sustainability Action Team. He also volunteers as a 4-H advisor and in his church.
Gary’s interests in exports, livestock, farmer education, and policy reflect his lifelong mission: to strengthen Ohio agriculture today and prepare it for tomorrow.
Meet Liz Funderburgh
Liz Funderburgh is motivated by a passion to help Ohio’s farmers succeed because she understands their success directly impacts her family’s future. As a grower of corn, wheat, and soybeans from Union County, Liz’s strong connection to agriculture fuels her passion for helping farmers succeed.
Liz serves as an at-large member of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association Board, where she has quickly become a dedicated advocate. She also actively participates on the national level by serving on the National Corn Growers Association’s Communications and Education Action Team and is a leading voice helping to shape the story of farmers across the country.
At home, Liz remains highly active and is a seed salesman. She is a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau, the Ohio Soybean Association, the Ohio Ag Council, and volunteers as a 4-H advisor. She is also an active member of multiple youth sports boards in her community.
Meet John Settlemyre
When Ohio grain farmers look for steady leadership and trusted guidance, they often turn to John Settlemyre. A respected grain producer from Clinton County, John farms with his family and has built a reputation for both his strong character and his tireless advocacy.
John has served on the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association board since 2019, including as President in 2023. In that role, he earned the admiration of fellow farmers for his leadership and his commitment to advancing policies that strengthen Ohio agriculture.
John is especially passionate about policy that benefits farmers directly and about promoting the use of ethanol fuel additives, which ensures that Ohio’s grain contributes to cleaner, more affordable energy.
Meet Sean Rittinger
For Sean, leadership means standing up for what is right and making sure the voice of the farmer is heard.
A corn and soybean grower in Pickaway and Fairfield Counties, Sean has served on the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association Board since 2022, where he has quickly made his mark as a passionate advocate for growers.
Sean is deeply involved in his community, including the Ohio Farm Bureau, Elks Lodge #77, Pickaway FAM #23, the Pickaway County Farmers Club, and Mount Carmel UCC Church. His involvement reflects his belief that farming is not just a business, it’s a way of life that connects families, communities, and generations.
Meet Michael Vallery
Michael Vallery understands the challenges and opportunities facing grain farmers, not just because he farms, but because he works with and listens to farmers across Ohio every day. A corn and soybean grower from Madison County, Michael brings both practical experience and a genuine desire to see Ohio’s farmers succeed and flourish.
A steady voice of reason and passion, Michael has experienced the highs and lows of farming and is committed to supporting Ohio’s growers. He is particularly interested in farmer education, believing that informed farmers are empowered farmers. Beyond OCWGA, Michael is involved in his community as a member of the Madison County Farm Bureau, the Jeffersonville Masonic Lodge, the Midway Presbyterian Church, and the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Meet Aaron Heilers
Aaron Heilers has built a reputation as someone who actively advocates for Ohio’s grain farmers. He doesn’t wait for problems to reach the farm; instead, he keeps a close watch on emerging issues and works tirelessly to address them before they become major concerns.
Aaron farms in Shelby County, alongside his wife and family, where he grows corn, wheat, soybeans, and wine grapes. His background gives him a solid understanding of the challenges farmers face, but his main passion is making sure growers have a strong voice in the decisions that impact their future.
Whether it’s in Columbus, Washington, D.C., or across Ohio’s countryside, Aaron Heilers is a dedicated advocate working to protect the interests of Ohio grain farmers.
Meet John Linder
John Linder’s accomplishments in agriculture earned him a spot in the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2025. As a lifelong grain farmer from Morrow County, he is highly regarded by his peers as a strong advocate for Ohio growers and has actively taken on leadership roles that have influenced policy at local, national, and international levels.
Throughout his forty-year career, John has served in some of agriculture’s most influential roles, including President of the National Corn Growers Association and Chair of the Ohio Corn Checkoff, where he worked to strengthen markets, boost demand for corn, and ensure farmers’ voices are heard. Today, as a member of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association Board of Directors, John continues to connect the everyday realities of farming with larger issues affecting Ohio agriculture, such as trade, biofuels, innovation, and sustainability.
John’s understanding of local, national, and global perspectives has made him a trusted voice in agriculture, helping him to build a legacy of leadership that has broken down regulatory barriers and expanded opportunities for grain exports.
Meet Dennis Vennekotter
Dennis Vennekotter is a fourth-generation farmer from Putnam County, Ohio, where he works with his three sons to grow corn, soybeans, wheat, and raise hogs. Dennis has earned a reputation as a respected leader and advocate for Ohio farmers.
Dennis, the current chair of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, plays a key role in guiding policy and organizational strategy for grain farmers statewide. He previously served as President of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Political Action Committee (2023–2024) and as Chairman of the Ohio Corn Checkoff (2017–2018), strengthening policy advocacy and market development efforts for Ohio’s corn industry. Beyond state leadership, Dennis is a member of the National Corn Growers Association Board of Directors, helping shape policies that support farmer profitability and resilience.
Closer to home, Dennis has long championed conservation and sustainability, serving nearly a decade on the Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District Board. His leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing sound stewardship, supporting farmer-led solutions, and ensuring that agriculture continues to thrive.
Meet Tyler Drewes
Tyler Drewes is not one to sit back and let decisions be made without the voice of Ohio’s grain farmers at the table. As President of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, Tyler has become a leading advocate for policies that expand markets, improve profitability, and secure the future of agriculture in Ohio.
On his farm in Wood County, Tyler grows corn, wheat, alfalfa, oats, and soybeans. His passion for farming goes hand-in-hand with his commitment to ensuring farmers’ voices are heard in Columbus at the Ohio Statehouse and in Washington, D.C. Tyler has been a strong grassroots advocate, particularly championing year-round access to E15 nationwide, a top priority for Ohio’s corn growers.
Tyler’s involvement with the Association began with a desire to support the work being done on behalf of all Ohio grain producers. His interests include exports, sustainability, alternative uses for corn, and sound policy, all areas where he sees chances to enhance the future of farming.
Meet Kevin Miller
Kevin Miller brings decades of hands-on farming experience to his role with the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association. On his farm in Williams County, Kevin grows corn and soybeans and manages a diversified cattle operation, combining modern conservation practices with the values passed down through generations.
Kevin understands the business of farming as well as the science of it, and he’s committed to keeping Ohio farms both profitable and sustainable. He has built a reputation as a farmer who knows his stuff and is willing to speak up when it counts.
As a member of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association board, Kevin is fighting for the right of farmers to farm as they know best. He believes strongly that decisions about agriculture should be led by growers themselves.
Meet Roger Wright, Board Member–Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program
Roger Wright is a fifth – generation farmer in Clark County. His family farm stands as a testament to deep roots, hard work, and a dedication to continuous improvement.
As a member of the Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program Board of Directors, Roger helps guide strategic investments that promote Ohio wheat, support grower education, and discover emerging market opportunities. His perspective as a hands-on grower gives voice to farmers’ needs and priorities across the state.
Roger is committed to strengthening Ohio’s small grains industry and preserving the legacy of family farms for future generations.
Meet Nick Wolford, Board Member–Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program
Nick Wolford is a grain farmer from Pickaway County, where his focus on stewardship, innovation, and long-term sustainability flourishes. As a board member of the Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program, Nick helps guide initiatives that promote farmer profit ability, market development, and consumer education.
Nick has a strong interest in farmer education, alternative uses for grain, and sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the farmer’s bottom line. He’s passionate about helping farmers adapt to a changing agricultural landscape and ensuring they havethe tools and resources to thrive.
Whether he’s trying out new practices on the farm or working to develop state wide strategies, Nick brings energy, insight, and a strong commitment to Ohio agriculture.
Meet Ray Van Horn, Board Member–Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program
Ray Van Horn farms in Morrow County, where he grows corn, soybeans, and wheat on a second-generation operation along side his children and nephew. Ray brings practical insight and a collaborative spirit to his work on the Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program Board of Directors.
Ray also serves as the Chair of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Political Action Committee and represents Ohio on the U.S. Wheat Associates Board of Directors, where he helps advocate for export opportunities and building global demand for U.S.-grown wheat. His passion foropening new markets and strengthening trade relationships is a key part of his leadership, both at the state and national levels.
Whether he’s tending crops, mentoring the next generation on the farm, or engaging ininternational conversations about wheat, Ray is committed to making sure Ohio farmers are positioned for long-term success in a changing world.
Meet Bill Schroeder, Vice Chair–Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program
Bill Schroeder is a third-generation farmer in Putnam County, where he works along side his brother and children. Deeply rooted in both family and farming, Bill brings decades of hands-on experience and multi-generational perspective to his work on the Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program Board of Directors.
Bill is especially passionate about expanding export opportunities and exploring innovative new uses for Ohio-grown wheat. Whether it’s through market development or finding freshways to add value to the crop, Bill is always thinking about how to secure a stronger futurefor Ohio grain farmers.
Outside the field, Bill is active in his local parish, St. Anthony Catholic Church, where he serves as a Eucharistic Minister and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. His dedication to faith, family, and farming makes him a trusted voice on the board—and a strong advocate for Ohio’s agricultural community.
Meet Owen Niese, Board Member–Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program
Owen Niese farms with his family in Richland County. As the Chair of the Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program, Owen represents the interests of Ohio farmers. He oversees the strategic use of small grains checkoff funds to strengthen the state’s small grains industry. This supports research, education, and market development for export opportunities.
In addition to his role on the small grains checkoff, Owen serves as a representative for the National Wheat Growers Association (NAWG)—bringing Ohio’s voice to national discussions and helping shape policies that support wheat producers.
Besides farming, Owen operates a drainage services company—providing critical field tile and water management solutions that ensure long-term productivity for farmers across the region.
Whether he’s advocating for wheat growers, exploring sustainable farming solutions, or working the land, Owen brings curiosity, innovation, and a dedication to community to everything he does.
Meet Eric Richer, Board Member–Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program
Eric Richer brings practical farm experience and agricultural education knowledge to the Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program board. On the family farm, Eric grows organic and conventional corn, soybeans, and wheat in Fulton County.
In addition to farming, Eric works as a Field Specialist in Farm Management with OSU Extension, where he helps Ohio farmers with enterprise budgets, farm transitions, understanding the Farm Bill, and agricultural finance. He has played a key role in developing tools like the “Farm On” Financial Management Course and frequently speaks at workshops on grain marketing, on-farm research, risk management, and programs for beginning farmers.
Eric is also a member of the American Society of Agronomy with over ten years of experience as an Extension educator and has previously worked as a high school agriculture teacher.
Whether it’s connecting research to the field or helping shape the future of small grains in Ohio, Eric offers thoughtful insight and a grower’s perspective to everything he does.
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