As federal lawmakers tackle tough decisions that impact the future of American agriculture, more than 150 Alabama farmers spent March 4-7 in the shadow of Capitol Hill sharing their stories and concerns.

Alabama Farmers Federation members visited with legislators and agriculture industry leaders to discuss issues such as a new farm bill with updated reference prices. Other conversations centered around taxes, labor, farm land development, input costs and young farmers during the Washington Legislative Conference.

The conference began with messages from Farm Bureau presidents of Idaho, Mississippi and New York as Federation President Jimmy Parnell hosted a panel discussion.

“I don’t think any organization can do what we can with the American Farm Bureau Federation in all 50 states,” said Mississippi Farm Bureau President Mike McCormick. “We can’t have these important conversations without the grassroots efforts. I thank you for your involvement, for being part of your county boards and for what you do.”

Legislative meetings kicked off the next day as farmers visited with U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn G.T. Thompson, R-Penn. He communicated the desire to pass a new farm bill this year — and the challenges that entails.

“We’re going to need your help with getting a new farm bill across the line,” Thompson said. “Farmers were initially written out of the end-of-the-year spending bill last year. By the time it passed, you were a priority only because y’all stood up and flexed the muscle of American agriculture. Do what y’all did in December, but all I ask you is to stay limber.”

Farmers also sat down with other lawmakers, staff members and ag industry leaders. Those included Auburn University, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC), JBS America, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, AmericanHort, National Cotton Council and others.

Escambia County row crop farmers Jacob Scott and Gaylan Shelly said this trip allowed them an opportunity to share their stories firsthand with decision-makers.

“We’d love to see better prices so we can make our own money and not be in a bind like the last few years,” Shelly said. “We met with legislators who were very receptive, some who had their cost-estimates wrong, and some who didn’t like what we had to say. We’re grassroots, and we understand we need to speak up. This is the only for-sure way to get our voices heard.”

Scott echoed Shelly.

“We hope this new administration can get things going our way, because if not, farming for myself won’t be around much longer,” Scott said. “It was good to hear what’s being done to build better trade agreements. There’s no way we would have been able to share our stories and issues directly with legislators and industry professionals without coming on this trip. We’re very blessed to have this opportunity to promote Alabama agriculture.”

Wednesday night closed with a congressional barbecue featuring Colbert County’s Bishop’s BBQ and Priester’s Pecans from Lowndes County. Alabama Republican U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt stopped by to visit with farmers for photos and food. Britt was also honored as AFBF’s Outstanding New Member of Congress.

Farmers were back at it Thursday for breakfast meetings with their U.S. representatives before attending additional small group gatherings. The day closed with a tour of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, which highlighted the agriculture lifestyle of America’s first president.

Before heading back to their Cullman County farm, Ben and Whitney Haynes reflected on the importance of the conference and letting their voices be heard.

“The things that affect Alabama farmers are not that dissimilar from Kansas or Mississippi or Arkansas farmers,” Ben Haynes said. “The fact that we have friends in all those states makes me feel good about our chances of getting things done and making a real positive impact for farmers not just in Alabama but all over the country.”

Whitney Haynes agreed.

“We read that George Washington said he was called to be a statesman, but in his heart, he was a farmer,” Whitney Haynes said. “That’s something that is engrained with a lot of men and women in our group, and I hope that’s something we can pass on to our children. I hope they can come to D.C. and continue the fight for farming.”