Large metropolitan areas separated by rich farmland and
rolling pastures are a successful combination for Ohio. This interface
creates a unique, modern society that thrives with balance between tradition
and progress. Contemporary Ohio culture is a mix of new trends which
have developed in part from the state’s rich agricultural heritage.
Today, one out of five Ohioans live in rural communities.
That means 20 percent of Ohioans are classified as rural residents.
The rural population of Ohio (2.8 million) is larger than the total
population of 24 other states, including Wyoming and Iowa. That large
rural population has substantial influence on the other 80 percent of
the state’s social and cultural way of life.
According to Joe Donnermeyer, rural sociologist at The
Ohio State University, "Many of the things that most urban people
value today evolved from our agricultural heritage." He goes on
to give examples of parts of urban and rural daily life that have been
influenced by our rural roots:
1. School children across the state observe a school year with a summer
break
2. Value of family
3. Trust in neighbors and the value of crime-free neighborhoods
4. Value of self-owned businesses is derived in part from family-owned
farming
5. Value of green space and its positive impact on our quality of
life
6. Value of volunteering is derived in part from barnraisings, youth
agricultural programs, etc.
7. Value of local government
8. Value of privacy
9. Value of ownership and pride in maintaining property
10. Value of neighbors
As urban and rural Ohio residents continue to live side
by side, agriculture remains an important part of the state’s
culture, lending its heritage and progress to society.
