Farm Bureau members can help tell county’s livestock story

​By Ryan Whitehouse
Illinois Farm Bureau
 
Farmers need to continue to tell their stories, sharing hardships they face and ways they overcome them, with people outside our industry. By connecting names, faces and families to the resiliency of agriculture, we can help educate local elected officials on the importance of livestock in meaningful ways. 
 
While there are many facts that highlight the ways livestock farms contribute to their counties, such as environmental stewardship, job markets, tax bases and community economic development, there is no better advocate than the local farmer.  
 
So, how can Farm Bureau members share their stories?
 
Farmers can start by beginning conversations with local officials. Initiate conversations by asking “what questions do you have for me?”
 
After that, prepare to share basic information by thinking through these questions:  
• Where is your farm located?
• How do you operate?
• How do you care for livestock or crops?
• How do you give back to the community?
• How do you provide food for the community and the world?
 
I know it can be intimidating to talk to local officials, so it’s important to remember that these folks are our neighbors. They want to see the counties and communities they represent thrive, and agriculture is part of that success. We should all be proud of that!
 
In addition to livestock farmers, grain farmers should also be part of conversations with elected officials. These individuals have a vested interest in animal agriculture because the livestock industry consumes the bushels of corn and soybeans they produce. Support from a range of farm families only enhances the significance of livestock farms.
 
While this article provides a 10,000-foot overview of how to engage with local officials, I hope it inspires Farm Bureau members and leaders to take steps toward becoming the face of livestock in your county.