Kansas Farmers Union members and nearly 250 fellow farmers, ranchers, and fishermen from across the country met in Washington, D.C., Sept. 8 to 10, 2014, for the National Farmers Union annual Fall Legislative Fly-In.
“Meeting with our representatives in Congress allowed us to personalize the issues currently affecting rural Americans,” KFU President and NFU Vice President Donn Teske said. “This was especially important considering the fact that important legislation is under attack, and there are oversight hearings about the new Farm Bill. Having the opportunity to voice our concerns directly to policymakers is one of the most important ways we can make a difference for all family farmers and ranchers.”
Farmers Union Fly-In participants highlighted the importance of Country-of-Origin Labeling, the Renewable Fuels Standard, rail issues in the upper Midwest, and many other policies that impact their operations and lives. Participants from Kansas included President Donn Teske & Matt & Leah Ubel of Wheaton, Matt Dowell of Belleville, Richard Boxum of Downs, Kevin Dubbert of McPherson, and Nick Levendofsky of Courtland.
The Legislative Fly-In commenced Monday, September 9 with briefings by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Administrator Anne Alonzo, the White House, and members of Congress and staff of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Agriculture.
