The 2023 OAC Spring Meeting is scheduled for April 19 at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center.
Meet our 40th Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture
Join with others invested in Ohio agriculture, as we get to know our new director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture – Brain Baldridge.
Brian Baldridge was appointed as the 40th Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture in February 2023. He provides leadership for the agriculture industry and oversees numerous regulatory, food safety, and consumer protection programs for the great State of Ohio.
Director Baldridge has strong Ohio and agricultural roots, as the 7th generation raised on the family farm in Adams County. You may have already seen him at many Ohio agricultural events over the past two months – now come get to know him!
Matt Reese, editor of Ohio’s Country Journal, will lead us in this visit.
Featured Speaker:
Brian Baldridge was appointed the 40th Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture by Governor Mike DeWine in February 2023.
In this position, Director Baldridge provides leadership for the agriculture industry and oversees numerous regulatory, food safety, and consumer protection programs for the great State of Ohio. Food and agriculture is the No. 1 industry in Ohio, adding more than $124 billion to the economy each year.
He served two terms in the Ohio House of Representatives, where he represented the 90th House District, encompassing all of Adams and Scioto counties, as well as the eastern part of Brown County. During his tenure, Director Baldridge served on the House Agriculture Committee and advocated for programs supporting the agricultural industry.
Director Baldridge has strong Ohio and agricultural roots. He is the seventh generation raised on the family farm that is still operational today. Throughout the years, he participated in, and has been a vocal advocate for, the 4-H community and FFA. Additionally, he was elected to serve on the Adams Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, where he helped to direct and plan conservation efforts within the county.
Early in life, Director Baldridge had a calling to be a first responder. During high school, he started serving his community as both a firefighter and paramedic volunteering for the Wayne Township Fire Department, and later became a career member for the Anderson Township Fire Department. In 2020, he retired from Anderson Township after 25 years of service and is still a volunteer of the Wayne Township Fire Department in Adams County.
As a life-long Southern Ohio native, Director Baldridge is no stranger to serving the public. He has served as both Adams County Commissioner and Wayne Township Trustee, prior to his service at the Ohio Statehouse.
He attended Southern State Community College and Shawnee State University.
Director Baldridge currently resides in Winchester, Ohio with his wife of 31 years, Lori. They are members of the Bethlehem Church of Christ. Together they have two grown children, one grandchild and two more on the way.
Moderator
Matt Reese is the editor of Ohio’s Country Journal. He grew up on a small farm in northwest Ohio and spent most of his youth writing, doodling, taking pictures, reading and exploring the surrounding farmland. With a family full of teachers, Matt also grew up around a culture supportive of education. He was active in athletics in high school before graduating from Ohio State University where he studied agricultural communications. This led to his career in agricultural journalism.
Matt continues to work on the family Christmas tree farm in Hancock County. He and his wife, Jenna live on a small farm in Fairfield County with sheep, rabbits and chickens. They have a daughter, Campbell, and a son, Parker. They are active in their local church and with numerous other organizations.
Meeting Agenda:
- 11:30 am: Registration
- 12 Noon: Lunch
- Update on OAC Visioning Process
- Featured Speaker – Director Brian Baldridge, Ohio Department of Agriculture
- 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee Announcement
- 1:30 pm: Adjourn
Cost & Registration:
- Members & Member Guests: $37
- Non-Members: $50