By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Conversations focused on the farm bill, supply chain issues, input costs, taxes and trade were part of the meetings Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) leaders held with congressional lawmakers and staff this fall.
From August through October, nearly 50 meetings were held.
“It’s important that our elected congressmen and women understand the issues facing Texas farmers and ranchers. There’s no better opportunity to discuss those issues than by visiting with farmers and ranchers and seeing how lawmakers’ decisions impact their livelihoods,” TFB National Legislative Director Laramie Adams said. “There are so many issues facing farmers in Texas that it’s more important than ever for these congressional leaders to see first-hand who they are working for when they are discussing farm programs and farm policy.”
County Farm Bureau leaders, members and TFB staff discussed national legislative priorities, stressing the need for farm bill reauthorization, free and fair markets and the impact of rising input costs.
“As Texas grows more urban, there are fewer legislators and staff with agricultural ties or experience. These meetings give us the opportunity to make those connections, share stories and find common ground,” he said.
The work done in their home districts make a great setting to showcase important issues and build relationships with the lawmakers.
“These district meetings have become a mainstay for our county leaders and many of our congressmen and women,” Adams said, “We’ve found that it’s a comfortable place to reach common ground and dig into topics that may be difficult to navigate from an office in D.C.”
