In the halls of Congress, silence is often mistaken for satisfaction. This was the sobering message delivered by Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation during a recent panel discussion on the dairy outlook at the High Plains Dairy Conference in Amarillo, Texas last week. Despite the pressing need for agricultural labor reform and immigration solutions, Doud warns the message isn’t reaching the ears that matter most.

The conversation, moderated by Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, highlighted a critical gap between the industry’s needs and Washington’s perception. Despite the pressing need for agricultural labor reform and immigration solutions, Doud warns the message isn’t reaching the ears that matter most.

“I’m talking to dozens of senators about this already,” Doud notes, recounting conversations where lawmakers told him they simply aren’t hearing about ag labor from their constituents. “If that member of Congress doesn’t hear from you, he’s just going to go hang out with the guys he does hear from.”

The panel, which included Michael Dykes, DVM, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, emphasized while national organizations can “raise hell” in D.C., the real power lies in the home district.

Navigate the Roadblocks

Naerebout pressed the leaders on the specific legislative hurdles, particularly in the House where jurisdictional battles can stall progress.

“GT [Thompson] is doing fantastic work in the house,” Naerebout notes, but he asked pointedly how the industry can navigate committees that don’t always see eye-to-eye on dairy’s needs. “How do we get around Jim Jordan and this committee? What’s the pathway there?”

The panel, which included Michael Dykes, DVM, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, emphasized while national organizations can “raise hell” in D.C., the real power lies in the home district.

Naerebout pressed the leaders on the specific legislative hurdles, particularly in the House where jurisdictional battles can stall progress.

“GT [Thompson] is doing fantastic work in the house,” Naerebout notes, but he asked pointedly how the industry can navigate committees that don’t always see eye-to-eye on dairy’s needs. “How do we get around Jim Jordan and this committee? What’s the pathway there?”

The Golden Rule

Naerebout asked what the most effective ways for farmers are to break through the political noise: Is it phone calls to emails? Is it personal visits?

“What’s the golden rule? He who shows up,” Doud says. “You’ve got to put in the time and the effort; you’ve got to develop the relationship.”

The leaders urge producers to move beyond occasional emails and focus on consistent touchpoints:

• Monthly Staffer Calls: Get to know the agriculture staffer in the Senator’s office.
• On-Farm Invites: Bring regulators and lawmakers to the farm to show them the regulatory apparatus in action.
• Unity of Message: Dykes warns the industry must be aligned when a policy train leaves the station.

  “You better be together and make sure you want it when you get it in the bill, because you’re going to have one shot,” he says.

As the industry looks toward a volatile political season — including concerns over fringe ballot initiatives like those in Oregon (Petition 28 or the Peace Act) that threaten animal ownership — the message was clear: political organization isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity for survival.

Link to article HERE