By Kentucky Farm Bureau News Staff

On a warm September afternoon, dozens of local and state agriculture leaders gathered in a tobacco barn in Green County to hear from Congressman Brett Guthrie.

While this setting may seem unusual to many other federal officials, Kentucky's Congressional leaders don't hesitate when asked to attend such ag-related gatherings.

Guthrie said these types of meetings are of great value to him.

“While I'm not on the Agriculture Committee, I’m obviously responsible for voting for a farm bill that's effective for the people I represent, and fits within our values and standards,” he said. “Having the feedback from people who deal with it every day is extremely important.”

The farm bill has been a hot topic over the past year, especially in the last few months as the current extension of the 2018 Farm Bill comes to an end and a push is being made across the country to get the next one passed before the end of the year.

“It's good to hear how this legislation will affect (farm families), and how an effective farm bill will be good for them, and also how over-regulation hurts the industry that they represent,” he said. “I hear things that are going on in DC or in the farm bill that I may or may not fully understand, so I listen to what (farmers) are saying,” Guthrie said. “That's how I learn, and I learn more by asking people what they think.”

That kind of relationship is indicative of most of the Commonwealth’s federal delegation and serves to continue Kentucky Farm Bureau’s (KFB) grassroots type of advocacy, according to KFB First Vice President Shane Wiseman.

“From the very beginning of this organization, it is our members who have and continue to direct us as strong advocates for their farms and our agriculture industry,” he said. “The relationships they build and foster with our Congressional leaders help to ensure we have a seat at the table when discussing ag-related issues. I think it also serves as an example of how effective these types of interactions can be when it comes to passing solid farm policy.”

In August, staff from most of the state’s Congressional leaders’ offices joined KFB and the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (UKMGCA) for the Kentucky Agriculture Policy Tour visiting various farms, agri-businesses, and University facilities to learn about issues in the state and get an up-close look at many initiatives taking place in the state.

KFB Director of National Affairs and Government Relations Ericka King said it’s important for leaders and staff in Washington to get back to their states to hear firsthand from constituents.

“I had the privilege of spending almost five years in the Senate as an agriculture, energy, and environment policy advisor to Senator (Rand) Paul and whenever there was an opportunity to come to Kentucky and meet with constituents on their turf, I took it,” she said. “The importance of having those in DC who help shape policy come back to the states and districts they work for – to see the issues up-close – cannot be overstated. There are some talented staffers in our delegation and I’m so glad they were able to come and see all Kentucky agriculture has to offer. They truly listened to our members, asked insightful questions, and left with a wealth of knowledge they can utilize back in DC.”

Nancy Cox, Vice President for Land-grant Engagement and UKMGCA Dean said it was a pleasure to host our federal stakeholders on campus with our close partner Kentucky Farm Bureau.

“The work we do to education, research and service to support farm families, communities and Kentuckians across the Commonwealth begins with our federal partners and critical programs authorized by the Farm Bill,” she added. “We work at the leading-edge to expand industry capacity and profitability, grow our workforce and improve community health.”

KFB Second Vice President Larry Clark’s farm hosted one of the tour stops, as well as Guthrie’s visit. He said having national leaders get an in-depth look at the state’s agriculture industry helps to further advocacy efforts now and in the future.

“In order to keep new generations coming to the farm and being involved in our industry we must develop and maintain solid relationships with our local, state, and national leaders,” he said. “KFB has a stellar reputation in doing just that and we hope to continue these types of visits in the future.”

Permission is granted to reprint this article in its entirety in both print and online formats. Credit to: Kentucky Farm Bureau News.