Article

More than 150 farmers and ranchers from across the country traveled to Washington, D.C. for the American Farm Bureau Federation Advocacy Fly-In to meet directly with lawmakers and discuss priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill.

“It’s crucial that lawmakers hear directly from the people who are affected by farm policy,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “America’s farmers and ranchers are dedicated to growing the food, fuel and fiber families across the nation rely on. We know how important the farm bill is to maintaining a secure and sustainable food supply. I’m confident the personal stories shared by our members will help inspire lawmakers to support and swiftly pass a new farm bill.”

Ohio Farm Bureau was represented by state trustees Karin Bright (District 22) and Mike Bensman (District 10). They met with Max Miller (OH-7) (pictured above) and Rep. Troy Balderson (OH-12).

“Having farmers, whether it’s meeting in Ohio with their members when they’re in town with August recess coming up, or here in D.C. connecting with our American Farm Bureau colleagues like we are this week, is crucial to getting our message across,” said Jack Irvin, vice president of public policy with Ohio Farm Bureau. “AFBF has to have that support and that backdrop of these constituents coming in, meeting with their legislators, telling them about the real world examples on their farm and why it matters and what it means for their communities. Without that partnership, we’re just not going to be successful.”

This week’s event included remarks from Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Penn.) and Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.). House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott (D-Ga.) sent a video message.

Attendees were informed there are 260 members – more than half of Congress – who have never worked on a farm bill, making personal stories of impact even more important. AFBF members also discussed other pressing issues facing agriculture, including the impact of the recent Sackett v. EPA decision by the Supreme Court, as well as the need for Congress to address agricultural labor reform.