Eleven Illinois Farm Bureau leaders recently met with members of Illinois’ congressional delegation at their Capitol Hill offices to share their story and advocate on top issues such as trade, farm income and the farm bill.
Among them, Michael Rhoda, Chenoa, representing McLean County Farm Bureau, attended IFB’s Leaders to Washington trip Sept. 9-10 in Washington, D.C. During the trip, he spoke with FSA Administrator Bill Beam & U.S. Rep. Sorensen to share first-hand accounts of how federal policies affect Illinois agriculture and businesses.
“Sharing personal experiences and stories of how federal policies affect farmers and livelihoods with our legislators is at the heart of our Leaders to Washington trip,” said IFB President Brian Duncan. “Illinois Farm Bureau members bring credibility and authenticity when they speak about the challenges they face and the opportunities they need. These trips ensure that farmers’ voices are heard and play a role in shaping policy decisions in Washington.”
Participants in IFB’s Leaders to Washington trip brought a range of backgrounds and perspectives to the table. They represented a range of organizations, including local county Farm Bureaus, state and local Young Leaders committees and the IAA Board of Directors.
Other attending members were Kent Bickett, Bureau County; Faith Bogard, Kendall-Grundy County; Stephen Bowyer, Edgar County; John Howard, Jefferson County; Kate Huffman, Henry County; Jennifer Kinney, McHenry County; Jeff Kirwan, Mercer County; Dean Klein, St. Clair County; Grant Senesac, Kankakee County; Christine Smith, Randolph County; and Steve Warrick, Will County.
Congressional meetings are an integral piece of the Leaders to Washington trip. During a jam-packed two days, the 11 IFB members met with lawmakers and/or staff including: U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, and Tammy Duckworth, D-Hoffman Estates; U.S. Reps Mary Miller, R-Oakland; Eric Sorensen, D-Moline; and Robin Kelly, D-Matteson; as well as staff from the offices of U.S. Reps Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro; Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville; and Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap.
Members also had meetings with staff from American Farm Bureau Federation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, House Agriculture Committee, the Delegation of the European Union and the White House Office of the Public Liaison. Members also heard from USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden at USDA headquarters about the department’s efforts with trade, New World Screwworm, Rural Development an the recently announced department reorganization plan.
“Illinois Farm Bureau members delivered once again,” said Ryan Whitehouse, IFB Director of National Legislation. “The trip’s real value comes from the membership. Their stories are what the administration and our congressional delegation remember. Hearing the concerns about the farm economy and how it’s causing stress to both younger and more experienced farmers is the takeaway.
He added, “Our members reenergize IFB’s national legislative team during a Leaders to Washington trip. They come to D.C. not knowing exactly what to expect, and by the end of the trip, they are professional story tellers. They are the voice of Illinois Farm Bureau.”