On Friday, April 24, over six dozen Farm Bureau farmer-members, as well as elected officials, community partners, and FFA members met to talk agriculture, legislation, and regulations. This year we were thrilled to have FFA students and advisers from three chapters attend. Stacy Bender of Caledonia High School, Heather Pratt and Brent Willett of Kent Career Tech Center, and Kyle McFarren of Lowell High School took 10 students for an out-of-chapter experience that showed them how farmers advocate for agriculture with our elected officials. We also hope it was also a good example of how adults of differing viewpoints can have a civil discussion, even when there is disagreement.
Kent County Farm Bureau Board of Directors President Bruce Klamer spoke about his experience approaching legislators:
“I was scared to approach them at first, but they respect us. They’re all approachable. They’re trying to do their best for all of us. In spite of ourselves, the system really does work.”
Bruce was inspired by the presence of so many students to ask the elected officials to talk about why it’s important for people to get involved in civic life, and why they got into politics.
Rep. Luke Meerman told us that he was the shyest kid in class when he was in junior high, so we shouldn’t take how we are now as an indication of where we can go. He said, “It takes everyone in the state legislature—we need everyone. The Lord can use you.” He also suggested that people have another job before they go to the legislature because they need people with a variety of experiences.
Sen. Thomas Albert spoke about a life of service: “I served in the Marine Corps and kept serving.” He encouraged the students to have a passion for something, to explore their calling.
Rep. Gina Johnsen talked about being politically active for 20 years before she ran for office. She encouraged us to “dive into something that might be intimidating. Do your research. Work with people. Value people who work hard. We learn from everyone, all the time. Stay in the mess and keep trying.” She said we should have the persistence to ask, “What is the problem?” and then, “What is the real problem?”
We are grateful to the elected officials and community leaders for coming to the Legislative Breakfast to hear from farmers about how government is—and isn’t—working for them. We are grateful that our members came out on a sunny and dry April work day to make sure their voice was heard.
One of the Board’s priorities this year was to be more connected with our FFA chapters. Kent County has five (Caledonia, Cedar Springs, KCTC, Lowell, Sparta), with a sixth on the way (Kenowa Hills). It was heartening to see so many of those blue jackets at the Legislative Breakfast: they are the next generation!