Learn About Bob

Bob’s  life experiences have prepared him  to serve this district.  Born and raised on a family farm in Fayette County, he grew up learning the importance of hard work, planning for the future, caring for others, and doing the right thing.  After graduating from The Ohio State University, Bob returned to the family farm, which he currently operates with his father and brother.   Bob met his wife, Lisa, at the Fayette County Fair, when she was the 4-H Extension Agent.  As their family grew, Lisa left Extension and now volunteers extensively with school, church and community organizations.  They have been blessed with three children:  Sarah, 16, Hannah, 13, and Todd, 11.  Church, 4-H, FFA, and other community activities are an important part of their lives.  Thus their goal is simple – to raise great kids, serve the community, and help make the world a better place.

Bob’s interest in strengthening agricultural opportunities for the next generation led to his involvement in the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation at the county, state, and national levels, culminating in his service as president of Ohio Farm Bureau and as a member of the American Farm Bureau Board of Trustees for most of the last five years.  Bob has spent a great deal of time working with the Ohio Legislature and United State’s Congress, leading a bipartisan organization of more than 235,000 families.  In 1996, Bob chose to run for Fayette County Commissioner with the desire to serve his community and help provide good government for the citizens of Fayette County.   Bob has served as a commissioner since 1997.   Along with his fellow commissioners, Bob has prioritized spending to meet citizen needs in a fiscally responsible fashion.   

With Bob’s experiences running a farm business, leading a statewide organization, and serving as a county elected official, he is prepared to be an effective State Representative.

Biography

Education

Ohio State University, Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude Agriculture – 1983 (member of the honors program , worked 20-30 hours a week at the university’s research farm and traveled extensively with the OSU Livestock Judging Team.)

Ohio State University LEAD Program Graduate – 1989 (an intense 2 year leadership program with extensive experiences in leadership, media training, state and national political processes, economics, environmental issues,  and family values.)

Peterson Family Farm

Bob and his brother, John, are the ninth generation of Petersons to farm in the United States.   Their 1,800-acre operation produces corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock.  Their farm’s soybeans and wheat are raised for Seed Consultants, Inc. and 75 acres are devoted to research test plots for several companies.

County Commissioner

Bob is currently serving his 4th term as a Fayette County Commissioner

Awards

• Ohio State University William Oxley Thompson Outstanding Young Leader (1997)

• American Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farm Couple runner – up (1993)

• Ohio Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farm Couple (1992)