Office of Rep. Billy Long
story, others will gain a better understanding of where
their food comes from, what it takes to make it.”
The fly-in and Connect experiences have given the
young couples the opportunity to network with their
peers. “One of the biggest problems we discovered was
all of us young farmers are trying to get into the ag
industry, but our parents don’t want to discuss with us
what the next generation looks like because they don’t
like change,” Danny said.
FCS Financial’s Debbie Ragsdale said
opportunities like these are critical to helping young
producers like the Bradleys and Kiehls see another side
of agriculture.
“It’s really important to have opportunities to
network, to see some good speakers and learn more
about the financing side of agriculture,” she said.
“Financing is a big part of agriculture, and to help
people understand more about it is really important.”
Not specifically a lobbying trip, the fly-in simply
helped Missouri farmers communicate important
issues to lawmakers. Farm Bill discussions have yet to
begin, so the Kiehls and Bradleys both said equipping
lawmakers with key issue information was timely.
“We weren’t necessarily asking them for
something,” Hannah said. “It was more a trip to make
o ur stories known and to let (lawmakers) know what’s
needed. That way they can head into the process of the
farm bill and be knowledgeable on the issues.”
As a farmer-owned cooperative, Danny said he
especially appreciates FCS Financial investing in rural
communities and providing opportunities like the
D.C. fly-in to its members.
Jams and jellies from Peck Farm in Sarcoxie, Mo., and meat
sticks from Central Missouri Meat & Sausage in Fulton, Mo.,
were provided during the Farmer’s Market where legislators
were welcome to try products representing American agriculture.
Additionally, they learned more about the producers of the
products through educational posters and visits with Farm
Credit team members. Photos courtesy of Farm Credit System.
“They’re based around what farmers need, not
what’s going to make them the most money,” he said.
“That shows that they really care about us and what’s
best for us.”
Jenny added, “(The fly-in) was an awesome
opportunity that we’re probably never going to
have again. You can go to D.C. as a tourist, but
you can’t really go to D.C. and see what’s going on
with government and hopefully have an impact (on
legislation) as easily on your own.”
HEARTBEAT | FALL 2017 9