Educating on the Farm Without Liability

A local farmer is thrilled with the passage of a bill through the Ohio House of Representatives.

We could only reach the owner of McDonald’s Corn Maze, James McDonald, by phone. However, he said if passed into law, the bill would free up a lot of worries for his family. It passed through the House of Representatives last week but has not been considered by the Senate yet. Representative Brian Hill agreed with McDonald in saying it will benefit the agriculture community.

“It’s very important to the Ag community and we need to have more,” Hill said. “These little, whether they be farm markets or tourism activities on the farm help educate the general public on the activities that happen on a farm which is so important as we strive to feed Ohio, this nation and the world.”

The bill would protect against normal, everyday farm injuries. However, if injuries are caused by neglect on farmers part, owners would still be liable. That’s why McDonald said he looks at things in the perspective of people who aren’t usually on a farm.

“So this bill addresses some of that to take some of the liability off, so that farmers are willing to open up their farm and allow the public to come in for various activities,” Hill said.

Hill said the bill will allow for better education about farming practices, animals and everything in between.