Wayne County Farmers Share Concerns at AST Listening Lunch

Wayne County farmers face a generational crossroads as local agricultural leaders prepare for the 2027 Farmer Listening Lunch on Tuesday, Jan. 26.

The Wayne County Ag Success Team hosts the gathering from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at RES Auction Services on 375 Fry Road in Wooster, according to event details. This marks the second installment of the specialized forum following an inaugural session held in January 2026. Organizers restructured the upcoming program to focus directly on core agricultural challenges.

Elected officials, government agencies, and representatives from organizations such as Ohio State University attend the session to listen rather than present information, organizers stated. Doors open at 11 a.m. for social time and lunch, with structured discussions beginning at noon.

“We are at a crossroads for our generational future. Many decisions will need to be made to keep the balance of what makes this county attractive and farming strong and successful,” said Roger Baker, an Ag Success Team member and farmer who advocated for the special meeting.

Baker said that county officials have a history of supporting the local agricultural sector and want to understand current pressures behind farm gates. The network organizing the event includes farmers, farm support businesses, nonprofits, elected officials, and government agencies. The group has met in various forms since the early 2000s.

“This listening session is needed; bring your concerns, ideas and potential solutions. Consider it a think tank for our future of agriculture in this county,” Baker said.

Registration is open to all Wayne County farmers through an electronic form or via paper copies available at the Farm Bureau office at 2030 Portage Rd., as well as the OSU Extension and Wayne Soil and Water offices located in the County Administration Building at 428 W. Liberty St. Completed paper forms can be returned to any of those locations.

Registrations are due by Jan. 15, 2027. For more information, interested participants can contact Lindsay Tournoux at the Wayne County Farm Bureau.