Family farmers and ranchers advocate in D.C.

Farmers Union members from across the country gathered in Washington, DC for the 2023 Fall Legislative Fly-In September 11-13, 2023.

A group of South Dakota family farmers and ranchers were in D.C. to ensure the Farm Bill includes what they need.

"There is no one better to advocate for what family farmers and ranchers need than family farmers and ranchers," explained Doug Sombke, a fourth-generation Conde farmer and the President of South Dakota Farmers Union.

South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) sponsored several family farmers and ranchers to attend the National Farmers Union Fly-In including Lance and Sarah Perrion of Ipswich.

During the three-day Fly-In, agriculture producers met with policy makers and their staff and advocated for passing a farm bill before the current farm bill expires as well as other policy changes that will lead to what Sombke said is fairness for farmers.

"Fairness for farmers and ranchers. Everything we talk about comes back to this main focus," Sombke said.

Ahead of in-person meetings, National Farmers Union provides advocacy training.

Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director, said they encouraged the farmers and ranchers to share their personal stories

With this in mind, Ipswich crop and cattle producer Lance Perrion said, "The farm bill impacts all farmers and ranchers because it is responsible for the safety nets – including crop insurance." He advocated alongside his wife, Sarah.

In addition to meeting with policymakers, farmers and ranchers met with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials representing Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Trade Commission.