Summary:

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Brian Baldridge, Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, to celebrate Ohio Proud Month and explore the incredible impact of Ohio agriculture on local communities, consumers, and the nation’s food supply.

As a seventh-generation farmer and lifelong advocate for agriculture, Director Baldridge shares his journey from growing up on his family’s southern Ohio farm to leading one of the country’s most diverse agricultural states. Together, Lori and Brian discuss the Ohio Proud program, how it connects consumers with locally grown and processed products, and why supporting local agriculture has never been more important.

The conversation highlights Ohio’s remarkable agricultural diversity, its nationally ranked commodities, and the economic impact of an industry that contributes more than $124 billion annually to the state’s economy. Brian also explains how partnerships between farmers, processors, retailers, schools, and consumers are strengthening food systems while creating greater transparency and trust in where our food comes from.

Whether you’re an Ohio resident or simply passionate about American agriculture, this episode offers an inspiring look at the people, partnerships, and programs helping feed Ohio, the nation, and the world.

Takeaways:

• Ohio Proud Month celebrates the farmers, producers, and processors who grow, raise, and make products throughout Ohio.
• The Ohio Proud label helps consumers easily identify products that are grown, raised, or processed in Ohio.
• Ohio agriculture contributes more than $124 billion annually to the state’s economy.
• One out of every eight Ohio jobs is connected to food and agriculture.
• Ohio is one of the nation’s most diverse agricultural states, producing more than 200 different commodities.
• Ohio ranks among the top states for eggs, soybeans, corn, maple syrup, dairy, beef, pork, poultry, and Swiss cheese production.
• Nearly 86% of Ohio consumers say buying Ohio-grown products influences their purchasing decisions.
• Local food programs strengthen relationships between farmers, retailers, processors, and consumers.
• Agricultural education through organizations like 4-H, FFA, county fairs, and the Ohio State Fair helps inspire the next generation of farmers.
• Supporting local agriculture helps strengthen rural communities, improve food security, and sustain family farms for generations to come.

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Director Brian Baldridge

02:00 – Brian’s Journey from Seventh-Generation Farmer to Agriculture Director

06:00 – What Ohio Proud Means & Why August is Ohio Proud Month

10:00 – How Consumers Can Support Ohio-Grown Products

15:00 – Ohio’s Agricultural Diversity & National Rankings

21:00 – Connecting Farmers, Retailers & Consumers

26:00 – The Economic Impact of Ohio Agriculture

31:00 – Educating the Next Generation Through Agriculture

35:00 – Events, Partnerships & The Future of Ohio Proud

39:00 – Final Thoughts on Supporting Local Agriculture

Resources:

Website: Ohio Department of Agriculture | Ohio.gov 

Website: Ohio Proud | Made in Ohio – Grown in Ohio 

Facebook: Ohio Proud | Facebook 

Instagram: Ohio Proud (@ohioproud) • Instagram photos and videos