COLUMBUS — Steve Hirsch, of Chillicothe, was re-elected president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) during the organization’s 97th annual meeting Dec. 2-4.

Hirsch holds the highest elected office in the state’s largest and most inclusive farm organization. He is the 23rd president of OFBF, which was founded in 1919.

Hirsch also is District 15 trustee, representing members in Fairfield, Hocking, Pickaway and Ross counties. He began his Farm Bureau career 22 years ago and has served on OFBF’s state board since 2001.

During his president’s address to annual meeting delegates, Hirsch talked about the results of OFBF’s $1 million Water Quality Action Plan, which showcases farmers’ commitment to protect the state’s water, and also the organization’s success in having changes made to the Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program. He also praised Executive Vice President Jack Fisher for his 20 years of service at Ohio Farm Bureau.

The Hirsch family farm dates back to 1890 and today is run by Steve, his father and his brother. They produce apples, peaches, grapes, strawberries, raspberries and other crops and operate an on-farm and an off-farm retail market and a cider making facility. He and his wife, Kimberly, have three children.

Hirsch has been active in the Ohio Fruit Growers Society, the Direct Agricultural Marketing Association, the American Heart Association and his local Chamber of Commerce. He graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in business administration.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is to forge a partnership between farmers and consumers.