By Blake Jackson
More than 250 family farmers and ranchers from across the nation gathered in Washington, D.C., last week for the National Farmers Union (NFU) Fall Legislative Fly-In, urging lawmakers to address the challenges confronting agriculture.
Over several days, NFU members participated in hundreds of Congressional meetings and engaged with multiple federal agencies.
“Farm country is facing a crisis, and America’s family farmers and ranchers need their elected representatives to listen to the challenges they’re facing and take action,” said NFU President Rob Larew.
“Farmers are earning less than ever, consumers are paying more and corporate profits are soaring. Our members are here to remind Congress not to leave farmers and ranchers behind.”
Among the attendees were 18 members of the Wisconsin Farmers Union. During their visit to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), participants heard from key officials, including USDA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations Tucker Stewart, Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Bill Bean, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Aubrey Bettencourt, and USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer.
Bettencourt spoke about improving efficiency within USDA through a “one farmer, one file” initiative. Meyer emphasized the importance of agricultural data, noting, “We produce a global balance sheet. It’s a real challenge to keep up with technology changes, but if we don’t rise to that challenge, then there’s a few people that know an awful lot.”
Farmers also met with congressional leaders and staff, including members of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Rep. Josh Riley (D-NY), to discuss farm legislation priorities.
Topics included completing the overdue farm bill, enhancing support for USDA agencies like FSA and NRCS, and stronger antitrust enforcement by the Department of Justice to combat corporate monopolies.
Participants further pressed for local and regional food procurement funding and immediate relief for farmers facing economic pressures.
“Wisconsin’s farmers can’t wait any longer,” said Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden. “We need a farm bill that delivers fairness in the marketplace and stability for rural communities. Farmers are doing their part to feed and fuel this country, and now it’s time for Congress to do theirs.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-rarrarorro
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy