The August recess isn’t break for lawmakers, and farmers are encouraged to remember that. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.
Lawmakers from the House and Senate are on the annual August recess and back in their respective districts and states. Tom Donnely, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Director of Grassroots Program Development, says lawmakers will spend that time hearing from voters.
“So, it’s a great time for farmers and ranchers to meet with and communicate with lawmakers. This year is especially important since Congress is working to reauthorize the Farm Bill. And we’ve been encouraging our members and all farmers and ranchers to make sure that they take advantage of the August recess and discuss the merits of the Farm Bill, how it has helped them over the last five years and what changes would make it better going forward.”
He says there are several ways to do so.
“If you don’t know who your lawmaker is, you can easily go to FB.org/lookup, enter your street address and your zip code, and that will show you who your lawmakers are. Make sure you sign up for a lawmaker’s e-newsletter, that way you’ll be informed when they’re back in town, and you can even sign up for a town hall meeting and visit a county fair when they’re there, and you can always schedule a meeting with lawmakers’ staff. Also, don’t forget to offer the opportunity to visit your farm or ranch.”
Donnelly says forming a relationship with lawmakers can set farmers or ranchers up to be a resource for those elected officials well into the future.
From the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Listen to Sabrina Halvorson’s This Land Of Ours program here.
Sabrina Halvorson
National Correspondent / AgNet Media, Inc.
Sabrina Halvorson is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and public speaker who specializes in agriculture. She primarily reports on legislative issues and hosts The AgNet Weekly podcast. Sabrina is a native of California’s agriculture-rich Central Valley.