Jed Bower Recognized at Statehouse for National Leadership

(Columbus, Ohio) – Ohio agriculture was front and center at the Statehouse on Thursday, February 18, 2026, as two of the state’s top farmer leaders were honored in both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly for their service at the national level.

Among those recognized was Jed Bower, a Fayette County farmer, member of the Ohio Corn Marketing Program Board, and the 2026 President of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Bower was joined by Duane Stateler of McComb, President of the National Pork Producers Council.

The recognition marked an important milestone for Ohio agriculture and highlighted that three farmers from the Buckeye State were serving as national presidents of their commodity organizations at the same time (Bower, Stateler, and Scott Metzger of the American Soybean Association).

For Bower, the honor reflects both his personal commitment to agriculture and the strength of Ohio’s corn farmers. As NCGA President, he represents thousands of growers nationwide, working to advance issues such as market access, ethanol demand, trade, and farm policy.

State lawmakers recognized the trio for their contributions to agriculture, their leadership and sacrifice on behalf of farmers, and the economic impact their industries have across Ohio and the nation. Agriculture remains one of Ohio’s leading industries, and the leadership of farmers like Bower, Stateler, and Metzger plays a critical role in maintaining that strength.

A full photo gallery from the day can be found here.

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Ohio Corn & Wheat is dedicated to advancing the interests of Ohio’s corn and small grain farmers through advocacy, research, and education. Our mission is to create a sustainable and profitable future for agriculture while addressing the challenges facing farmers today.