interactions, making it the perfect time to understand
their policies and visions for the future.
Farm Bureau recently launched a new election
website, election16.fb.org, to highlight key issues,
track candidates' positions and provide links to
individual websites and biographies. The website also
features regularly updated blog posts.
A main contributor to the website, Lyon said, "Not
only do we highlight the candidates overall ag views,
we make sure to report every time one of Farm
Bureau's priority issues comes up."
Two of those priority issues were highlighted during
one Republican debate, when former Florida Gov. Jeb
Bush listed WOTUS as a rule he would seek to repeal
and Donald Trump and Ohio Gov. John Kasich talked
immigration reform.
Vying for Votes in
Rural America
Jessica Wharton
As presidential candidates' screen-printed busses
navigate the dusty back roads of America, rural
voters now more than ever need to make sense of the
political chaos that has taken over national headlines
by researching candidates and their stances on all
things agriculture.
"It's very important for rural voters to follow the
different candidates and know as much about them as
possible, even if they don't plan on voting for them,"
said Cody Lyon, AFBF director of advocacy and
political affairs.
And with the primary season nearing, presidential
candidates will be engaging in even more debates,
town hall discussions, and one-on-one constituent
At the two Democratic debates, former Secretary
of State Hillary Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie
Sanders highlighted their stances on immigration
reform and climate change.
In addition to WOTUS, climate change and
immigration reform, hot topics important to
agriculture include the economy, biotechnology, trade
and regulatory reform.
Year round, Farm Bureau focuses on advocating
for agriculture though grassroots efforts. The FB
Advocacy page, fbadvocacy.org, provides links to
Congress and ways to become more involved during
the election cycle, like volunteering for a campaign,
using the hashtag #Vote4Ag on social media and most
importantly, showing up on election day.
"While candidates vie for votes around the country,
it's important that rural voters get involved and make
sure the candidate hear their voice," said Lyon.
Through resources like FB Advocacy and the new
election website, constituents can educate themselves,
engage with the candidates and truly make a
difference in the upcoming election.
Jessica Wharton is a communications assistant at the
American Farm Bureau Federation.
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 13