Posted: 3/21/07
Local farmers meet with legislators
 Eli Berry, Congressman Jim Oberstar, Judy and Ronald Nelson at the recent MFBF trip to Washington, D.C. last week. |
Over 40 Farm Bureau members from across Minnesota met with their Congressmen and Senators and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials while in Washington, D.C. during the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Farmers to Washington D.C. trip. The delegation flew out on March 7 and returned March 11.
Ron and Judy Nelson of Rush City in Chisago County were among participants who spoke with legislators regarding Farm Bureau's position on legislative issues.
"It was a wonderful opportunity to tour our nation's capitol and have the chance to visit with Senators and Representatives," said Ron Nelson.
The trip began with a briefing from the American Farm Bureau Federation on current issues. On Thursday, participants met with Senators Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar and Congressmen Collin Peterson, Jim Oberstar, Tim Walz, John Kline, Jim Ramstad, Betty McCollumn, Michele Bachmann, and members of their staff.
During their meetings, Farm Bureau members discussed a variety of issues affecting agriculture. Top concerns include the new Farm Bill with adequate budget, USDA livestock policies, trade issues and negotiations, tax reform, renewable energy and upgrading the lock and dam system on the Mississippi River.
"Research shows that the most effective way to communicate with your members of Congress is in Washington D.C.," said MFBF President Kevin Paap. "It is vital to agriculture for our Senators and Congressmen to put a face on the family involved in Minnesota agriculture. Farm Bureau's Farmers to Washington D.C. trip provides this opportunity."
On Friday, attendees visited the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) where they heard from Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner on the Farm Bill; Neil Hammerschmidt -- USDA Animal Identification Coordinator, Veterinary Services, Animal Plant & Health Inspection Service; and Roger Conway -- Director, Office of Energy Policy & New Uses, Office of the Chief Economist. In the afternoon, Farm Bureau members toured the Brazilian Embassy.
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