Throughout the course of the year, action has been taken through the PACs to disburse funds. This has allowed your GreenStone team, board of directors, and fellow members to be involved in dialogue with legislative leaders that are interested in and eager to support the agriculture industry. Discussion centers around building relationships, providing education on the structure and value of GreenStone and the Farm Credit System, and discussing our rural communities and agriculture.
In Michigan, close to 20 individual meetings have occurred with Senators and Representatives to introduce GreenStone to the new leaders in the legislative branch. In addition, in June a widely attended legislative lunch reception was held at the Capitol and was a huge success. Your GreenStone staff engaged with more than 200 elected officials and staff. The event was a great success and is evidence of the work done for many years to build relationships. Time was taken to educate legislators on the productivity and sustainability efforts of farmers and let them know our concerns with unnecessary regulation. GreenStone is a trusted resources in the constantly evolving political landscape, and your financial support provided through the MI GreenStone PAC is what makes that possible!
In Wisconsin, planning the Ag Huddle fundraiser for Senate and Assembly Agriculture committee is underway. The event was so successful last year that it is coming back by request and it is anticipated to keep growing in number of attendees and financial support provide to the committee members! Numerous legislative items are being tracked and discussed, including land ownership, agricultural road improvement funding, and fertilizer requirements.
Federally, over 20 meetings have taken place with U.S. Senators and Representatives to communication the importance of the Farm Credit System. The focus has been and is on the importance of the Farm Bill to the Farm Credit System, agriculture, and rural communities. A significant portion of the legislature has never voted on or provided staff support for a Farm Bill, and as a result there have been ample opportunities to education on why the Farm Credit System was chartered and how GreenStone and the other Farm Credit associations still carry out the mission in the ever changing business environment. In addition, a special Farm Credit marketplace reception will take place in DC this fall where two GreenStone customers products will be highlighted. Beef Sticks from Green Vale Farm in Michigan and dried cherries from Country Ovens in Wisconsin will be given out. It was a great opportunity to share products from customers, and more importantly share its contributions and challenges in the domestic and international trade economy.
As stewards of the Farm Credit System and partners in the agriculture industry, the highest importance is placed on communicating the importance of Michigan and Wisconsin agriculture to our communities, country, and world. This is not possible without your support and we thank you for it. Strong relationships will continue being built to help ensure support for rural communities and agriculture for years to come.
Heads up that the annual MI GreenStone PAC and WI Farm Credit PAC drives will be taking place in January. Be sure to look out for the voluntary pledge and contribution card at the end of December. If you have questions about getting involved with hundreds of your fellow members, contact your local branch.
To view the article in the online 2023 Fall Partners Magazine, click here.
