By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Rising input costs, agricultural labor, trade, the need for a new farm bill and emerging threats like New World screwworm were among the issues Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Advisory Committee members discussed with federal lawmakers and agency officials during a recent advocacy trip to Washington, D.C.

Throughout the visit, the group shared firsthand perspectives on the challenges facing agriculture and emphasized the importance of policies that support the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

“This was my first trip to Washington, D.C., and it was eye-opening to see what agricultural advocacy looks like firsthand,” Athlyn Roberts, a Coleman County rancher, said. “It was encouraging to sit down with policymakers, explain the challenges young farmers and ranchers face and see how willing they were to listen. Being there reminded me that our voices matter and that sharing our experiences can help shape the conversations happening in our nation’s capital.”

The TFB members also met with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson and representatives from the U.S. Department of the Interior.

“Secretary Rollins made every conversation personal,” Kaleb Nowlin, a Comanche County farmer and rancher, said. “She wanted to understand where each of us came from, what our operations looked like and the challenges we face every day. She listened carefully, took notes and asked questions. It was clear she wanted to hear directly from producers.”

Rising input costs, the need for a new farm bill and emerging threats like New World screwworm were among the issues TFB Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee members discussed with federal lawmakers and agency officials.

The committee met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden, as well as congressional offices representing Texas and other agricultural states, to discuss federal policies that impact agriculture.

Speaking directly with federal leaders reinforced Nowlin’s belief in Farm Bureau’s grassroots approach to advocacy.

“Having the opportunity to sit across the table from leaders who are making decisions that affect agriculture was something I’ll never forget,” Nowlin said. “Texas Farm Bureau gave us the opportunity to share our experiences and explain how those decisions affect young producers. Those conversations help ensure agriculture has a seat at the table.”

The annual Washington, D.C., trip gives members of the YF&R Advisory Committee the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the legislative process while building relationships with policymakers and advocating for Texas agriculture. By sharing their experiences directly with federal leaders, YF&R committee members help ensure the voices of Texas farmers and ranchers are represented where policy decisions are made.

For more information about TFB’s YF&R program, visit texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.

Rising input costs, the need for a new farm bill and emerging threats like New World screwworm were among the issues TFB Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee members discussed with federal lawmakers and agency officials.