Farmers and Ranchers Gather with Politicians to Hone 2018 Farm Bill

SAN ANGELO, TX – Hundreds of West Texas farmers and ranchers converged at Angelo State University to promote production agriculture issues with lawmakers from Austin and Washington D.C. 

The wide ranging 14^th Annual West Texas Legislative Summit wrapped up Tuesday with a panel discussion featuring four members of Congress. 

Sponsored by the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce the summit began Monday with a listening session with four members of the House Agriculture Committee including Congressman Mike Conaway (R) who represents San Angelo, Congressman Jodey Arrington (R) Lubbock, Congressman David Rouzer (R) North Carolina, and freshman Congressman Roger Marshall (R) Kansas. 

Conaway is the chairman of the House Agriculture committee. 

The summit was hosted by State Representative Drew Darby of San Angelo and State Senator Charles Perry of Lubbock.  Darby and Perry attended a dinner and reception at Ft. Concho Monday night then had to travel to Austin to participate in the special legislative session. 

The summit began Tuesday morning with a panel discussion on the 2018 Farm Bill, followed by a panel discussion on agricultural trade and a discussion on state and federal regulatory issues. 

Congressman Conaway was the keynote speaker for a lunch on Tuesday.  Conaway was awarded the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Enterprise Award at the luncheon for supporting free enterprise. 

The final panel discussion with the four congressmen was moderated by former Congressman and chair of the House Agriculture committee Larry Combest. 

Combest asked the congressmen what was the best way for their constituents to communicate with them.  Conaway said, “Meet your congressman back home.  Start at home to build a relationship with your representative and then meet the staff.” 

Arrington said be prepared, “Be specific and know your stuff, and have a solution.”

Congressman Marshall, a veteran and a physician, said, “Have one message; tell a story and tell it from your heart.” 

Rouzer told the audience to, “Keep it simple; keep it concise, and meet congressmen from the other party.”

They all agreed that agriculture is a bipartisan issue and the industry has done well because they are stick together. 

Combest asked the panelists about how to reach members of congress outside your district.  Rouzer said, “Utilize your organizations like the Texas Farm Bureau to reach other members; develop trust and be nice.  Be genuine.” 

Congressman Marshall said, “Find out what you have in common.”  And Arrington cheerfully said, “Democrats are people too!” 

Combest said he has a list of don’ts when communicating with your congressman.  “Don’t be late; don’t ever tell a lie.” 

Conaway added, “Don’t threaten a member with not voting for him or her; we hear that all the time.” 

Arrington said, “Don’t hide the ball; I want to know how we are going to pay for it, and don’t assume.” 

Wrapping up the panel discussion, Conaway told the audience that all four congressmen know who they work for.  “I’m on your payroll.  I’m always on the clock.  Take advantage of us when you see us at a restaurant or at the grocery store.” 

Rouzer said of the summit, “What struck me was farm families have their back against the wall.”  He told the audience, “We are only one part of the equation in Washington, you all play a much more important role than we do.” 

Conaway told the group on Monday that he wanted the committee to complete the 2018 Farm Bill before the 2014 bill expires in September of 2018.