MFBF Leaders Advocate for Agriculture in Nation’s Capital
Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation farmer members from Regions 7 and 8 recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal officials, agency representatives, and industry partners about issues affecting Mississippi farmers and ranchers.
The annual MFBF Fly-In allows county and regional leaders to share firsthand experiences from the farm with policymakers, reinforcing Farm Bureau’s mission to serve as the Voice of Agriculture at every level of government. Throughout the three-day trip, participants met with members of Mississippi’s congressional delegation and key staff from federal agencies to discuss pressing concerns within the livestock, row crop, and timber sectors. Meetings included visits with U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, and staff members in the offices of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, U.S. Representatives Trent Kelly, Michael Guest, and Mike Ezell.
Farm Bureau members also met with national agricultural organizations such as JBS Foods, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Animal Health Institute, and the American Veterinary Medical Association to discuss shared priorities and strengthen partnerships across the industry. Discussions centered on several critical issues, including the need to address the shortage of large-animal veterinarians through the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act and the ongoing effort to control and prevent the spread of the new world screwworm from southern Mexico into the U.S. Members also raised questions about the implementation of recent changes to USDA’s Livestock Indemnity and Forage Programs, particularly for producers in counties affected by extended drought.
Participants voiced support for USDA’s herd expansion initiatives and also encouraged Congress and USDA to continue consulting with poultry growers before making changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act rules that affect transparency and grower protections. MFBF expressed appreciation for ongoing federal disaster assistance for row crop producers, but urged continued support for farmers facing economic strain and trade disruptions, especially those tied to soybean exports.
“Nothing makes a stronger impact than farmers sitting across the table from decision-makers and explaining how these issues affect their operations back home,” said Justin Ferguson, MFBF National Affairs Coordinator. “Our members did an excellent job representing the needs of Mississippi agriculture and helping federal leaders understand the challenges we face in rural communities.”
In addition to policy meetings, attendees participated in a breakfast briefing at the Capitol Hill Club, where they learned more about the importance of political fundraising and MFBF’s Political Action Committee (PAC) Fund, and enjoyed a tour of the Capitol. The experience provided valuable opportunities for members to engage in meaningful conversation and build relationships that strengthen the connection between Mississippi agriculture and national policy.
“I’m thankful to have been involved in this trip. It has been really insightful to see what actually goes on in D.C., like how they’re listening and working to help us in Mississippi,” said Sarah Peacock. She and her husband, Justin, are cattle producers who serve on the Forrest County Farm Bureau board.
“I really enjoyed being able to dig deeper in livestock-specific areas, like getting to visit and speak with leaders at the National Cattlemen’s headquarters and the Animal Health Institute,” said Peacock. “I had no clue how things worked up here or how it was beneficial to us at home, but what Farm Bureau and our legislators do for us is truly impactful.”
Through trips like the Washington, D.C. Fly-In, MFBF continues to ensure that the voices of Mississippi’s farmers, ranchers, and rural families are heard loud and clear in the halls of Congress. Advocacy begins on the farm but extends all the way to the nation’s capital. By showing up and speaking out, our members help shape policies that protect and strengthen American agriculture.