Ohio toughens off-road trespassing law, aiming to prevent damage to farm crops

Ohio toughens off-road trespassing law, aiming to prevent damage to farm crops

DAYTON (AP) — Farmer Eddie Lou Meimer is hoping a new Ohio law that toughens penalties for people who drive off-road vehicles on farms without permission will prevent future damage to her crops.

Meimer, who owns a farm just south of Mount Gilead in north central Ohio, said Thursday she has been victimized by off-roaders who smash her crops, pose a threat to her maple-syrup operation and have knocked over her neighbor’s electric fence.

Meimer grows corn, soybeans and wheat on the 300-acre family farm. She said off-roaders trespass on her farm several times a year and have been doing it for years.

Gov. Ted Strickland signed a bill earlier this month that would double fines to $500 for people who come on to private property in an off-road vehicle without the property owner’s permission.