Members weigh in on importance of trade for agriculture
Farm Bureau leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. September 11-13, to meet with Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation to encourage swift approval of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement and emphasize the overall importance of trade for agriculture.
Each of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s nine district directors brought two members from their part of the state as part of the WFBF Leaders Fly-In.
“The value of the trip to Washington, D.C. was twofold; first we could witness firsthand the strength of our organization at the national level and secondly the impressive impact we make in federal government policies,” said Calumet County Farm Bureau member Angie Feider.
In addition to trade, members talked about the need for labor reform, challenges with gray wolf population management, rural broadband coverage, the repeal of the Waters of the United States rule and the need to fund infrastructure improvements to locks and dams on the Mississippi River.
WFBF board directors on the trip included: Jim Holte, Elk Mound; Dave Daniels, Union Grove; Arch Morton, Jr., Janesville; Robert Nigh, Viroqua; Joe Bragger, Independence; Kevin Krentz, Berlin; Rosie Lisowe, Chilton; and Don Radtke, Merrill.
Member leaders joining the board members included: Mark Mayer, Belgium; Judy Uhlenhake, Burlington; Galen Alwin, Prairie du Sac; Ralph Levzow, Rio; Travis Klinkner, Genoa; Laura Daniels, Cobb; Clint Sampson, Melrose; Matt Krenz, Fall Creek; Adam Jones, Wautoma; Joe Wollinger, Markesan; Aaron Augustian, Kewaunee; Angie Feider, New Holstein; Bob Fox, Kaukauna; John Herman, Stevens Point; Carl Lippert, Pittsville; Brittany Olson, Chetek; and Dean Berseng, River Falls.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau members also met with officials from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Australian Embassy.
TRAVIS P KLINKNER says
Great trip!
“We also talked about the importance of increased and timely enforcement of organic standards through the USDA. Also had discussion about WFBF and AFBF policy on supply management in our meetings with government leaders.”