By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Only 31 of the 535 members of the U.S. 118th Congress spend time outside of the nation’s capital farming or ranching, according to a report published earlier this year.

Of those members, 23 are in the House and eight are in the Senate.

“The fact that this report shows farmers make up under 6% of Congress demonstrates how important Texas Farm Bureau’s advocacy efforts are in Washington,” Laramie Adams, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Government Affairs, said. “Engaging with members of Congress on the issues facing farmers and ranchers and the ability to provide food and clothing for consumers is critical.”

The Congressional Research Service report, which uses information compiled by Congressional Quarterly, doesn’t compare the percentages to previous Congresses. But Adams noted there is a dwindling number of leaders at the nation’s capital who truly understand the importance of the farm safety net and the many issues that impact agriculture.

Part of that is because many rural states, including Texas, are becoming more urban.

“It’s important our elected Congressmen and women understand the issues facing farmers and ranchers,” Adams said. “We need ample support to pass important ag related legislation, such as the farm bill, so we must continue in our efforts to engage with our leaders on what it takes to succeed in agriculture.”

In the House, there is also one member who owns an almond orchard. Other representatives are a forester, a fruit orchard worker and a horse trainer.

According to the report, the dominant professions of members are public service/politics, business and law.

The average length of serve for representatives at the beginning of the 118th Congress was 8.5 years and 11.2 years for senators.

View the full Congressional Research Service report.