Press Release written and provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 11, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in Ohio State Director Jonathan McCracken today announced an investment of $22.4 million in loans and grants to four Ohio recipients that are intended to improve Ohio’s rural electric, water, and solid waste management infrastructure. “Ohio Rural Development is committed to increasing investments in Ohio’s rural communities to ensure that they continue to have access to essential services like clean water and reliable, affordable power,” said McCracken. “These investments today underscore USDA’s commitment to ensuring our rural communities have the resources they need to be competitive, sustain economic growth, and improve the quality of life for their residents.”

The summer lunch program started today with on-site dining at 4 city schools for children 18 years and under. The hot meals will be Monday thru Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parents can also get pick-up-only meals on Mondays and Wednesdays at North and Freedom Elementary. Parents are thankful for the provided meals.

We are in the midst of harvesting season in Ohio, and farmers are getting crops ready for export. Under Secretary Ted McKinney focuses on trade and foreign affairs within the USDA. He discussed the United States' status of trade relations with other countries. One major connection is China. McKinney says despite the COVID-19 pandemic, China has not yet backed down on their $36.5 billion dollar agreement for this year.

Ohio’s Democratic senator is sounding off about President Trump’s decision on corn ethanol and its impacts on Ohio farmers. Sherrod Brown is upset over the president's decision to grant over 30 waivers to oil refineries, so they don’t have to blend ethanol in with their gasoline. Fox News is reporting that roughly 40% of U.S. corn crop goes into ethanol production, and with oil refineries not using ethanol in their production, this could be another blow to grain farmers that have been facing a rough year already.

Ohio governor Mike DeWine is currently on a mission to help Ohio farmers who have been impacted by the heavy rainfall.

The governor recently sent a letter to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, asking for a USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation for Ohio.

Lima City Schools will once again be the host for the Summer Lunch Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Children and teens between the ages of 1 and 18-years-old can come to any of the five sites and get a nutritious meal they may not otherwise get. The meals are not just for Lima City School students but for any child that wants one. They begin Monday, June 10th and this year's meals will include a little something extra.