By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Trade and regulatory reform were among the topics a group of young farmers and ranchers discussed with legislative officials and foreign embassies during a recent trip to Washington, D.C.
Members of Texas Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee traveled to D.C. as part of the committee’s annual advocacy efforts.
“Trade is an important topic for farmers and ranchers right now. It was good to talk with our Congressmen about the impacts of trade on our farms and ranches and to talk about other major issues in agriculture right now,” Travis Isbell, YF&R District 8 representative, said.
It can be tough for young producers to step away from their farms and ranches, but Isbell said it’s something that must be done.
“It’s not easy to leave when you have young kids, farm chores, livestock and other obligations,” he said. “But it helps our elected officials to see us, hear from us and know us. Telling our story, explaining how things work on our farms and ranches helps those in Congress better understand what we do and how we are impacted by various things, especially the current trade negotiations.”
Trade is important to Texas agriculture, and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) could help grow the state and national economy.
“Trade matters to Texas—whether it’s cotton, corn, cattle or any commodity,” Slayton Hoelscher, YF&R District 6 representative, said. “No other state depends on trade with our North American neighbors like Texas does.”
USMCA will set rules for duty-free trade across the continent. It will also enhance biotechnology standards, reduce trade distorting policies and establish modern sanitary and phytosanitary standards, among others.
“Trade agreements mean certainty. They mean that long-term relationships are established and that benefits farmers and ranchers like us,” Abby Hoelscher, Slayton’s wife, said.
USMCA wasn’t the only trade topic discussed. Chinese tariffs and other ongoing trade negotiations were on the menu.
“The ongoing trade war with China is of concern to farmers and ranchers,” Isbell said. “We’re struggling with volatile commodity markets and reduced market access. We need the administration to move forward on ending this trade war.”
The group met with staff for Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. They also met with Reps. Jodey Arrington, Chip Roy, John Carter, Michael Burgess, Vicente Gonzalez and Mike Conaway.
“It was our first time to our nation’s capital,” Abby said. “It was definitely an experience and much different from our part of West Texas, but we had really good conversations with our elected officials. We stressed how important the decisions they make in D.C. impact us on the farm in West Texas and across the entire state. The decisions they make directly impact our bottom line.”
While in D.C., the young farmers and ranchers also visited with U.S. Department of Agriculture staff and American Farm Bureau Federation staff at the national organization’s headquarters in D.C.
YF&R Advisory Committee members on the trip included Isbell and his wife, Kaylin; the Hoelschers; Josh and Lexi Bell, District 2; Clint and Angela Rutledge, District 4; Cody Kneupper, District 10; and Darren Fey, District 12.
The trip was held Oct. 14-17.
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