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by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation

Agricultural advocacy is our most important chore. It is not a luxury. It is not something we do "if we have the time." We must make the time, as if we were changing oil or mucking out a calf stall. The forward to our American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) policy book spells it out – individuals have a moral responsibility to help preserve freedom for future generations by participating in public affairs. As active, involved Farm Bureau volunteers, we recognize the necessity and accept the obligation to stand up and speak out for agriculture.

Over the years, we have seen many and heard even more who want to speak for farmers. They come from diverse walks of life, far from the agricultural path, yet they profess to know our occupation better than we do and are eager to cram their pet philosophies on all who disagree.

Some go beyond talking and get to meddling, like the animal rights groups who wanted names and addresses of people who participate in animal damage control programs. The intent is to post the information on the Internet – a not-so-subtle call for attacks on people and property. Incredibly, the previous administration's USDA attorneys released the information. Your American and several state Farm Bureaus immediately went to court and obtained a temporary restraining order. We expect a permanent injunction at any time.

Farm Bureau represents our interests well in Congress, in the courts and with the administration and its regulatory agencies. But no one presents our interests better than you.

Keep up the good work. Stay informed and involved, working through your county, state and American Farm Bureaus to speak up for agriculture. If you don't, others will.