For many, the words “Farm Bureau” conjure up a grassroots system of gathering input.
Nowhere is this approach more evident than in how Farm Bureau’s members adopt legislative policy each year. The “policy development” process, as we call, gathers input directly from members on a range of topics that impact agriculture. That input evolve into the resolutions that become Farm Bureau’s official stance on legislative matters in Madison and Washington D.C.
This simple and straight-forward process differentiates Farm Bureau from many other organizations. The beauty of it is its simplicity. Each year, county Farm Bureaus across the state hold listening sessions to develop policies that will guide our lobbying team’s work. Policies adopted at the county annual meeting is forwarded to the state Policy Development Committee and presented to the state delegate body for adoption.
Over the years I’ve participated in policy development meetings in churches, taverns, fire stations, school cafeterias and town halls. This year we’ll have another venue for members to provide input: cyberspace.
This year the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s website hosts information on four state and two national topics that need policy formation. WFBF’s government relations team of Paul Zimmerman, Rob Richard and Karen Gefvert have prepared issue backgrounders and personalized blogs on these topics. If you have opinions on these topics, don’t keep them to yourself, join the conversation by commenting online.
Perhaps you think of an entirely different issue that warrants discussion by your fellow Farm Bureau members. Simply respond to this blog in the comment section (found below).
Typing answers to the questions posed in a blog is not meant to replace our tried-and-true method of policy development. However, utilizing technology allows us to hear from more Farm Bureau members is not just a worthy goal, but it helps us continue to be Wisconsin’s leading voice on agricultural issues.
We look forward to hearing from you on this page’s comments section. Please add which county Farm Bureau you are a member of.
Please note, in order to filter our spam emails, your comment will not immediately post to the page. Rest assured, it will be posted and added to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau policy development dialogue. Thank you
Leon Wolfe says
Dick, I think this revised process is an excellent idea. It should appeal to and entice our younger members who are so very busy to have input in our policy making process.