Farm Bill Listening Session and Horseradish Farm Tour

Members from area CFB’s spent parts of a hot August day discussing the Farm Bill and other agriculture issues with our Congressman and special guest GT Thompson (Chairman of the House Ag Committee).  Members first attended a Farm Bill Listening Session stop with Rep. Bost and Chairman Thompson at Wachtel Farms in rural Effingham County, then arranged for a private tour at Gerstenecker Horseradish Farm near Vernon, and concluded the day providing additional comments and insight at State Representative Charlie Meier’s farm near Okawville during his “Tractor Talk” stop.

With the expiration of the U.S. Farm Bill approaching, U.S. Reps. Mike Bost and Glenn “G.T.” Thompson stopped to get input from members of the agriculture community.  At the listening session, the Congressmen heard topics ranging from biofuel production to food deserts.  Following the visit with about 50 farmers and constituents from the district, Congressmen Bost and Thompson stopped for a tour and discussion at a horseradish farm that is owned and operated by the Gerstenecker family in Marion County.  Bost and Thompson spent about an hour learning more about the specialty crop, as well as hearing challenges about labor and other issues.  A few FFA Chapter and Section Officers also joined the tour and had a unique opportunity to record an impromptu video message direct from the horseradish field with the Pennsylvania Congressman and Chair of the House Ag Committee.

Following the tour and a few horseradish-themed dishes to sample, CFB volunteers again were able to catch up with both Congressmen that evening for a “Tractor Talk” event at State Representative Charlie Meier’s historic farm.  This stop included the largest crowd for the day with CFB leaders, farmers, constituents, and more to talk candidly about agricultural issues and the importance of getting the Farm Bill right with the men that would be writing it.

Several great opportunities to engage with not only our Congressman that serves on the Ag Committee, but the Chairman from Pennsylvania as well!