More than 150 farmer and ranchers from across Kansas participated in Kansas Farm Bureau’s County Presidents Trip to Washington, D.C., March 18-21.
County leaders, their spouses and children met with the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and USDA’s Risk Management Agency to push for a farm bill with a strong crop insurance component, a realistic approach to species management and regulatory reform. They also met with each member of the Kansas Congressional delegation.
“This kind of personal contact with members of Congress is absolutely vital,” Steve Baccus, an Ottawa County farmer who serves as president of Kansas Farm Bureau says.  “Interaction with the folks who support their families on the farm and ranch helps lawmakers put a face on the policy work they’re involved with.”
In addition to their Hill and agency visits, county presidents visited the Canadian and Austrian embassies to discuss trade and other international ag issues.
Kansas Farm Bureau represents grassroots agriculture. Established in 1919, this non-profit advocacy organization supports farm families who earn their living in a changing industry.