In September, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) president Dan Glessing and public policy director Loren Dauer traveled to Washington, D.C., with other MFBF members as part of the Farmers to D.C. program.

Over the course of a couple days, MFBF members sat down with all eight of Minnesota’s U.S. Representatives or their staff, in addition to Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar, USDA officials and the Canadian embassy to discuss the most pressing issues relating to farmers and ranchers.

“Engaging with these policymakers who directly impact the things that are happening in our businesses, our operations and our farms is so critical,” Dauer says. “If we don’t continue to have these conversations, we might be put in a situation where we’re unable to push back against certain policies that directly affect us. We need to ensure the rural voices of our members continue to be heard by legislators.”

Pushing to get a new Farm Bill passed, addressing the downturn in commodity prices and discussing how to increase the number of trade deals to end the trade deficit of the past three years were just some of the items on the agenda for this year’s D.C. fly-out.

“We’re not out here advocating for the ‘pie in the sky’ stuff. We are talking about real people and real-life situations,” Glessing says. “How do we create a better environment for our farmers and ranchers—the people who produce food and live in these communities?”    

Advocacy Starts at Home  

While meeting with legislators in D.C. is important to maintain a relationship between MFBF and Congress, the real advocacy work begins with the 78 county and regional Farm Bureaus across the state. MFBF relies on members to take an active role in its policy development by surfacing issues and ideas during local or regional meetings. Policy resolutions are developed, proposed and voted on at the county level before going to the state resolutions committee, which recommends the proposed policies to be considered and voted on by state delegates during MFBF’s annual meeting.    

“By participating in that process, members can actually direct how we move forward with certain legislative priorities in our state. Some of those resolutions can even go as far as the national level, too,” Dauer says. “That’s what’s great about our organization—it’s really grassroots-focused.”

Beyond attending and speaking up at county Farm Bureau meetings, MFBF offers programs and events that coach members on leadership development and advocacy, such as the Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Promotion (LEAP) Conference, where participants hone their advocacy toolkit; the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program for 18- to 35-year-old members interested in growing into leaders within Farm Bureau and their communities; Campaign School for anyone who wants to learn how to run for office; and the Agriculture Leadership Network, which provides training on leadership and advocacy skills at the state and national level.      

As for members who can’t make it to D.C., MFBF annually hosts a Day on the Hill at the State Capitol, where all members are invited to meet with elected officials, share their stories and discuss issues important to them right in St. Paul.

“It’s very impactful when we have our Day on the Hill, where we can just see the excitement and energy that radiates from our members as they discuss and talk about their personal lives,” Dauer says. “Legislators really appreciate it when their own constituents walk through the door and can lay out an issue that directly impacts them. They’re excited to try and help solve that for them.”

Advocacy Is for Everyone 

Every member of MFBF is encouraged to participate in advocacy efforts that make life and work better for farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Here’s how to get started. 

  1. Get in contact with your county Farm Bureau. Find out about current outreach activities in your area and how you can get involved. “Every county Farm Bureau has its own type of programming,” Glessing says. “Some counties are strong in policy, some are great at outreach work, others are really good at Young Farmers & Ranchers.” 
  2. Educate yourself on the issues. MFBF offers several opportunities for education throughout the year, such as the LEAP and Urban Ag conferences, as well as webinars. “Educating yourself about certain policies and legislation, and how it directly affects you, is probably the best way members can make an impact,” Dauer says. “We’re citizens of the state, we’re a part of what goes on in regard to our good governance, and that only comes from being involved and knowledgeable and educated about what’s going on.” 
  3. Engage with local officials. Take every opportunity to meet with legislators face-to-face at public events and meetings. “We’re very plugged into Minnesota’s political scene, as well as policy on the national level,” Glessing says. “It really comes down to the personal relationships we have with those offices because they want to hear from the constituents, the Minnesotans.” 
  4. Be willing to share your personal story. Think about how certain issues affect your farm and why they’re important to you. “A personal story about legislation or laws that directly impact farmers and their operations is going to be way more impactful than a message from your typical lobbyist or public policy representative,” Dauer says. 
  5. Jump in. Being an advocate can feel intimidating at first, but you won’t regret making your voice heard. “It’s rewarding,” Glessing says. “If we’re not out there advocating for our way of life, it’s going to be somebody else advocating for our way of life—and it’s not going to be the same conversation.”

“Farm Bureau gave me the opportunity, resources and courage to talk with people about my farm, agriculture and other important topics. I have always seen myself as someone who loves to serve. Farm Bureau gave me the confidence to think outside the box and continue to grow my leadership abilities. Being a County Commissioner has allowed me to take my service to another level.”
—Joan Lee, Polk County Commissioner, Fourth District

“Farm Bureau was very formative in the leadership abilities I have today. I served on the YF&R and Resolution committees. There, I learned to step out of my comfort zone, to grow and to meet new challenges and opportunities.”
—State Rep. Nathan Nelson, District 11B

“Early on in my career, working with Minnesota Farm Bureau showed me the important role that grassroots advocacy has in giving farmers across the state a voice in the legislative process. In Congress, I have applied this experience and have made it a priority to meet with advocacy groups, such as Minnesota Farm Bureau, and listen to the priorities that matter most to those who work tirelessly to feed and fuel the world. I appreciate all the work they do, and I look forward to future conversations about how we can work together to support rural America.”
—Rep. Brad Finstad, Minnesota Congressional District 1

Did You Know?

Former Governor Al Quie started his political career as a county Farm Bureau leader, serving as the Rice County Farm Bureau president before moving on to the Minnesota Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives and eventually Minnesota Governor.

Making a Difference

Here’s a look at some of MFBF’s most notable policy wins through the last century.

1924
MFBF supports creation of county extension agents.

1928
MFBF supports bringing electricity to the farm and the passage of the gas tax amendment.

1963  
In a continued effort to support farm safety, MFBF works with the state legislature to standardize a symbol—a triangle—to place on slow-moving vehicles. 

1967
MFBF works on a statewide tax reform that included a 3% excise tax that exempted items such as feed, seed, fertilizer, chemicals and electricity used on the farm. It eliminates personal property taxes on livestock and farm machinery.

1974  
MFBF works to defeat a bill that would have reduced the size of the legislature after the 1980 election, helping to maintain equal representation in the state.

1983
Governor Rudy Perpich appoints MFBF Vice President Al Christopherson to the farm crisis commission to develop new ways to deal with farm mortgage foreclosures during the farm crisis.

1989  
MFBF supports the House, Garage and One Acre (HGA) legislation, removing all but the house, garage and one acre from property taxes for school operating referendums. 

1999
MFBF works to pass legislation to equip school busses with flashing safety lights.

2002 
Members are in attendance as a bill passed making Minnesota the first state in the nation to mandate the use of biodiesel.

2023
Members successfully advocate for rural broadband funding to help meet the demands of modern agriculture.