A Message from Lynn Leahy
Advocacy is a fundamental pillar for our Farm Bureau and farming community. Less than 2% of our country’s population works directly in agriculture. According to the 2020 Census Bureau, 80% of our country’s population lives in urban areas, leaving only 20% in rural areas. This creates a significant disconnect, with many people unaware of the daily realities of farming. Over half of the population doesn’t see it in action daily, which emphasizes advocacy’s importance for me.
I often think of the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” when it comes to producing food. Americans are accustomed to fresh, delicious and affordable food at their tables at all times. They may not recognize the constant worry, anxiety and instability that farming is today or challenges that have always been a part of the industry.
Advocacy is vital to me because the saying goes, “If you are not at the table, you are on the table.” We must fight for our farms and our communities. With the number of people dwindling in agriculture, we must stand up for agriculture. Advocacy means using my voice to influence policies that impact agriculture. This often looks like securing fair trade, fighting burdensome regulations or ensuring farmers have the necessary resources to succeed. Advocacy also means education and engagement to me. I strive to help our lawmakers and the public understand agriculture’s challenges. From weather patterns to capital investments to market fluctuations, farmers face an uphill battle in feeding the world.
Farm Bureau has been instrumental in my advocacy success by providing leadership opportunities and fostering personal growth and empowerment.
The Leadership Institute and WisGO Team has significantly enhanced my public speaking and media skills. They have also given me opportunities to engage directly with my political representatives at both the state and national levels through events like Ag Day at the Capitol. Additionally, I’ve had the chance to travel to Washington, D.C. with my Leadership Institute class, the Young Farmer and Agriculturist program and as a participant in the 2018 Farm Bill Committee.
Farm Bureau has enabled me to host events and connect with local community members at the county level, bridging the gap between urban and rural communities. Even in rural areas, many citizens are disconnected from agriculture and want to know more about it. One annual event in my county is Blue Ribbon Kids Day, where children in grades K-5 and their parents learn about the various organizations in our county. I lead an Agriculture in the Classroom lesson for the students, which spurs many questions about farming and agriculture, from both students and parents! Last year, we learned about what cows eat and how their diet needs to be balanced just like humans.
At the national level, I am a member of the American Farm Bureau Promotion and Engagement Committee, where we organize “Ask a Farmer” events around the country in grocery stores, culinary schools, parks and other public venues.
Advocacy is not just a role we play in Farm Bureau, it is a responsibility we all share. As a grassroots organization, we empower everyone to engage in advocacy. Together we are shaping the voice and future of agriculture. Our collective efforts are crucial in ensuring the sustainability and prosperity of our farming communities.
Leahy is a research agronomist at Heartland Farms and a Waushara County Farm Bureau member. Lynn and her husband, Mike, reside in Plover.
This article originally appeared in the 2025 April | May Rural Route.
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