PEQUOT LAKES — Leaders from the Minnesota Young Farmers & Ranchers program, including a Pequot Lakes couple, joined Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing, state board members and staff as part of the annual Farmers to D.C. trip Sept. 12-15.
Dustin and Katie Wiese were among five couples from across the state who had the opportunity to meet with elected officials and other agriculture and government leaders to share their experiences, providing insight on both opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
“It was truly an honor to attend the Farmers to D.C. trip,” the Wieses said in a news release. “What a tremendous opportunity to meet with the elected officials that affect our everyday lives. Many thanks to the Minnesota Farm Bureau for providing us the opportunity and for giving us the communication skills that made our voices heard.”
Starting the trip with a visit to the American Farm Bureau Federation offices, the group then met with U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, U.S. Reps. Brad Finstad and Angie Craig, and staff from the offices of Reps. Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, Betty McCollum and Pete Stauber over the next two days.
The group connected with staff from the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, leaders from The Russell Group, and White House staff.
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A primary focus of all the discussions was the 2023 Farm Bill, including what programs currently work and others that need updates or additions.
The Farmers to D.C. program is open to any MFBF member to attend. YF&R Contest finalists in the Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture competition or Discussion Meet earn the opportunity to attend as part of the contest prizes.
To learn more about the D.C. trips or the YF&R competitions, visit fbmn.org.
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