After a long stint in Washington, D.C., our federal representatives have come back to their districts and states for an August recess to hear directly from their constituents. Contrary to what we normally associate with the word “recess,” it’s no time of rest for members of Congress. During this time, they pack their schedules with business tours, association and government events, meet and greets with industry leaders, and all the travel in between.
Having lawmakers close to home presents a great opportunity for us, the people, to connect with them. This year, it is especially important to keep in touch with representatives because it is the first year of the 117th Congress. Every two years, a new Congress is elected, and by March 2022, midterm election primaries will be in full swing and chances of passing meaningful legislation will be a long shot. With impactful legislation like ag immigration reform and a large social infrastructure package hanging in the balance, engaging with lawmakers this year is vital.
Lawmakers are very busy, so it’s important to know how to interact with them productively. These four tips should help:
1. Get involved.
Meeting your lawmaker for the first time can be daunting. Getting involved in an organization that advocates on your behalf can provide you with great resources. These organizations will set up meetings or farm tours with your lawmakers on your behalf and prepare you to talk about the issues to ensure the interaction goes as smoothly as possible.
If you’d like to take an even more active role, most organizations have specific committees you can join. For example, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative has a policy committee that develops the group’s annual policy priorities. It’s important that the issues we advocate for (or against) are developed with explicit guidance of our farmer members.
Farming is a 24/7 business. Member organizations exist to work with congressional staff daily while you are farming. But, lawmakers still want to hear directly from their constituents about how policies affect their district. An organization is only influential if it has an active membership.
2. Invite lawmakers to your farm.
Lawmakers like to visit businesses to understand what drives the economy in their districts. Farms are a huge economic multiplier in rural communities, and representatives recognize that. A farm tour is a good opportunity to discuss issues and opportunities. Even if you don’t have a specific policy request, it is important that lawmakers see the basics of what happens day to day on a farm.
Don’t expect to make them experts. Given the complexities of modern farming, it would be nearly impossible for anyone who doesn’t have an extensive background in agriculture to pick it all up over an hour-long tour. However, the most important takeaway is that those lawmakers now know a dairy farmer. They will remember how complex farming is and subsequently may want to get your opinion on new ideas or legislation.
3. Be prepared and open.
Most people have given farm tours to family and friends, but inviting lawmakers onto your premise takes a little more preparation. Make sure to let their office know what attire they’ll need, how long the tour will take, what topics will be discussed and what else to expect. Make sure, for example, that guests know how to get to your farm. In rural areas especially, Google Maps doesn’t always lead visitors to the right spot.
Also, be prepared to work around the lawmaker’s schedule. As I've mentioned, their days are often packed with five or more events, several counties apart. Delays happen. If you’re meeting them on their turf in Washington, you can expect the same thing. Try to take delays in stride, even after you’ve just stood in line in a suit to get through security in D.C.’s heat and humidity.
Finally, be open with them. They need to understand the realities of your farm business in order to craft helpful legislation. Your lobbyists have told you what policies you need to ask them to enact, but when a farmer shows a lawmaker how a policy will affect his or her farm, it is much more impactful. Put the talking points into context for them.
4. Get to know their staff.
Because lawmakers are pulled in a lot of different directions in a day, sometimes their staff must cover meetings for them. While getting to know representatives is important, being familiar with their staff is also critical. They hold a lot of influence with their boss. They are often more of a subject-matter expert than the elected official because they’re the ones doing the research and can work with you on strategy. Staffers will also call you for input once they are familiar with you. These relationships can pay big dividends.
