Advocating for Agriculture: My Journey to DC
As a farmer deeply rooted in the soil of America's heartland and an advocate for the agriculture community, I recently had the profound honor of testifying before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. This experience, while daunting, underscored the critical role advocacy plays in shaping policies that directly impact our ability to sustain and grow.
The journey to the Senate floor was paved with collective insights and shared stories from fellow farmers. Preparing to testify was a collaborative effort, gathering thoughts, concerns, and aspirations that represent the heartbeat of American agriculture. It was crucial for me to convey not just statistics and data but the real human experiences behind the figures.
Standing before the Committee, I felt the weight of thousands of farmers behind each word I spoke. This wasn't just my story; it was our story. The gravity of this responsibility was both an honor and an emotional challenge, as I aimed to bridge the gap between the fields of America and the halls of Congress.
During my testimony, I emphasized the importance of the Farm Bill. This legislation is more than just a policy; it is a vital safety net for farmers across the country. It ensures that we can continue to produce food, even under challenging economic conditions or adverse weather. It's essential for maintaining our nation's food security amidst fierce global competition.
One of the most potent tools we, as farmers, have at our disposal is our stories. By sharing our personal experiences and challenges, we can influence policy and foster a greater understanding among legislators and the public about the realities of farming. It is through these stories that we can advocate effectively for the support and recognition the agriculture sector deserves.
I encourage my fellow farmers to engage in advocacy and for the public to support local agriculture. Connecting with each other, sharing our stories, and building a community are crucial for strengthening our collective voice. It is only through active engagement that we can ensure our needs and the sustainability of agriculture are adequately addressed.
As I concluded my testimony with a call to action— "We've got to tell our story"—I reminded everyone in the room of the critical role farmers play in every person's life. Advocating for agriculture is not just about securing our future but also about honoring our heritage and sustaining the world.
You can listen to my experience on my podcast - Field Good Life playing on Apple and Spotify. And I also wanted to share the links to videos and my testimony here:
Link to the full details - both written testimony and video on record with the Senate here
There are some links to articles about my testimony here
Video of the questions and answers from Sen Boozman to me and Nathan here
This video of my actual 4 minute testimony here.
PDF of my testimony here