NEW PARIS — U.S. Congressman Warren Davidson hosted his annual Farm Forum event at National Trail High School on Saturday, March 4. Farm Forum is Davidson’s annual gathering specifically focused on agriculture. Every year, he invites agriculture experts from the state and federal government to address issues unique to the 8th District’s farmers.

State Rep. Rodney Creech of West Alexandria was one such speaker at this year’s event. He discussed some of the agriculture-related legislation he and his colleagues are currently working on in the General Assembly

“This event has always been a great success. I’ve always enjoyed going to it,” Creech said. “But I love it this year because it’s in Preble County. And Congressman, thank you for bringing it down south. It’s great to see everybody out here. As I was walking through this morning, I was seeing a lot of faces that I’ve known, a lot of people, the majority of my life.

“But for those of you that don’t know me, just a small introduction, farming has been a major part of my life since I’ve been born. I was one of those kids that always knew what I was going to do when I grew up. And not many can say that. I was the kid that was blowing out candles on my birthday cake with tractors on them. Farming the carpet when I couldn’t be outside. The normal farm stuff.

“I get to speak in front of quite a few groups and a lot of ag groups. But what I love about today is I’m speaking in front of people here at home. And I have to tell you, as a collective group, how much I appreciate your support.”

Creech continued, “What I love most is, not only do I get to represent you at the Ohio State House, but I get to represent agriculture for Ohio at the Ohio House, and it’s an honor to serve in this role.”

“We have some key pieces of legislation that we’re going to be focusing on,” Creech told those in attendance. “We haven’t had anything referred to us yet as far as our committee, but Rep. King has a foreign bill that’s going to protect our land from foreign adversaries, and farmland preservation and protecting Ohio’s farm land. That bill hasn’t been introduced yet, but it will be soon.”

An eminent domain bill was introduced in the last General Assembly, according to Creech, who said they hope to “get it across the finish line” this year. Urban agriculture is another topic Creech said he has a “passion for.”

“This bill is going to promote agriculture in the cities,” he said. “You know, some of the people that don’t like us the most live in the cities. We need to teach these people how to work dirt, and plants and fertilizer, and we control this. And if we can teach them that in the cities, maybe they’ll stop thinking we’re bad people. It’s a bipartisan bill. And I’m pumped about that.”

Creech said they are also working on the 4-H Excused Absence Bill. “In southwest Ohio, we don’t have a lot of issues with people understanding the importance of FFA and 4-H. But in other parts of the state we do,” Creech said. “We feel like the outside classroom is just as important as the inside classroom. We have students that feel like they need to participate in 4-H and FFA — they get an excused absence from school. Some people like that, some don’t.”

“The final bill that I want to touch on, that we’re working on, is not really an ag bill, but I think it is. It’s the Daylight Savings Time Bill. Out of all the bills that we’ve worked on, it’s a popular bill. You love it or hate it. And so, you know, it’s going to give us a little more daylight at the end of the day. That’s good for everybody that works outside, people that are getting home late. There are a lot of health and safety benefits that come from this language also. But the main thing is, you don’t have to change your clock. So, if you don’t like changing your clock, you’re probably going to like this bill.”

“I want to thank the Congressman for having this every year,” Creech concluded. It’s an honor to be up here with you all and to be on the panel.”

(Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of articles highlighting some of the discussion at this year’s Farm Forum.)

Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on Twitter @emowenjr.