DC Fly-In Debrief: A Q&A with Tim Schacht of Ohio Till Farmstead
We are thankful that Tim Schacht, of Ohio Till Farmstead, joined us in DC for the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s annual fly-in this February. The week was spent in community with farmers and advocates from across the country. Together, 150 farmers, ranchers, and food system advocates had about 150 meetings with members of Congress, their staff, and USDA representatives.
We met with Congressman Dave Taylor, staff from the offices of Congresswoman Brown, Congresswoman Kaptur, and Senator Moreno, and also had a group meeting with Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) officials at the USDA, talking about the new Regenerative Pilot Program, technical assistance, and organics being recognized in conservation programs.
We recently had an opportunity to chat with Tim about the trip. Here’s what he had to say:
Tim’s Takeaways from His Time in DC
What most surprised you about legislator meetings on Capitol Hill?
Tim: I’m not sure if there is anything particular that surprised me. All the staffers and representatives were polite and seemed interested in our concerns. Some were more educated on agriculture issues, which was reassuring.
What would you tell other farmers about getting involved in agriculture policy?
Tim: As a first-generation farmer, business owner, and father, I’ve realized how much impact government policy can have on my farm business and personal life, both positively and negatively. Policy needs to represent all farmers, not just the large, consolidated agriculture sector that can lobby the loudest. As small organic producers, we need to be our own voice for change because legislators will not recognize there are needs unless we stand up and let it be known.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
The Lorax
What helped you feel prepared for the day on the hill, and what was most helpful?
Tim: OEFFA Staff (Nicole) did a great job of preparing me for the trip. She talked me through the schedule and what to expect. We had multiple check-in calls leading up to the DC trip, which helped spread the information out so it wasn’t overwhelming. The day before lobby day, NSAC meeting sessions helped set the tone for the day ahead.
What was your favorite part of the trip?
Tim: The best part was meeting other farmers and ag policy nerds. Our issues and concerns are shared throughout the country, and it’s reassuring to know there are young (and seasoned) people working every day to fight for small and diversified farms.
Anything else you want to share?
Tim: I just want to thank OEFFA for doing this type of policy work. As a small organic farmer with a to-do list longer than the hours in the day, it’s difficult to find time to think about, let alone engage with, our representatives in a meaningful manner. Having a local Ohio organization like OEFFA that does all the legwork to review policy and set up meetings with state and federal representatives, so all I need to do is just show up and have a seat at the table, is invaluable from my perspective.
Learn More about Tim
Tim Schacht, along with his family, owns and operates Ohio Till Farmstead — a first-generation small family farm located just outside of Marysville, Ohio. When Tim was young, he participated in 4-H clubs and connected with friends whose families ran working farms. As he got older, with the realization of having no family land or equipment to inherit, farming seemed out of reach. Tim has a lot to share about the difficulties of land access. But in the end, he made this dream a reality so that he could share this journey with his kids. Together, they plant, harvest, work the soil, and are part of something rooted and real.
In 2019, the Schacht family bought an old farmhouse, and they now farm on nearly 100 acres around their community. They are passionate about organic and regenerative farming and became a certified organic farm in 2024. Building healthy soil and caring for the land is at the core of everything they do. They grow, harvest, process, and package everything on their farm. This includes products like cateto flint corn, oats, turkey red wheat berries, black beans, spelt flour, popcorn, and more. They’re proud to be part of the local food movement and believe that strengthening food systems at the local level is key to a sustainable and secure future.