Young Farmer and Rancher Update
In July, I traveled to Washington, DC for legislative training by the American Farm Bureau Federation. My five days inside the Beltway were capped off by a visit to Capitol Hill to speak with some of West Virginia’ s
Susan Wilkins, YF & R Vice-chair
agriculture. First, the Department of Labor’ s rules on child farm labor. Second, the EPA’ s Guidance Document on what“ navigable waters” are under the Clean Water Act. And third, the 2013 Farm Bill.
The Farm Bureau employs some tremendously dedicated people on the state and national levels who are daily monitoring personal stories. They must put an actual face and name with who the policies they are debating will affect.
While a face to face meeting is certainly the most effective way to get your message across to our lawmakers, I know that it is simply not possible for all of us to make personal trips to Washington, DC or Charleston. But I encourage
lawmakers. It was certainly an eye-opening experience and definitely one that I hope to repeat in the future. As young farmers, I will admit that we are often too lackadaisical about taking a stance on political issues and standing up for ourselves. But folks, it is our future. In the past six months, three major issues have emerged that have the potential to severely impact our livelihoods in
the legislative happenings that will directly impact us on the farm. Staff and organization leaders regularly visit with our lawmakers and fight to maintain our farming rights and keep our operations viable. But after my visit to Capitol Hill, I realized that this is not enough. We as young farmers must fight too. We have to make our own voices heard. Our lawmakers need to hear our
you to take a stand by emailing your lawmakers when important issues come up. Take advantage of your representatives’ mobile offices when they are in your area and meet with a staffer. Pick up the telephone and make some calls over your lunch time.
Together, we can all make a difference. Our futures as young farmers depend on it.
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 19