Farmers + Politics = An Essential Combination

Farmers become involved in politics for no other reason than they have to. For it is those at the table that make and influence decisions.We live in a time when most of our state and national representation are from urban and suburban areas.

(ND Legislative districts- concentration of districts around the towns of Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, & Minot)

It is also a time that the majority of our representatives are so disconnected with agriculture, farming, ranching and agribusiness that we need to become involved, share our stories and ask questions regarding proposed legislation and current law. Farmers are involved in politics to limit the constant threat of an over burdensome government. We live in a time where environmental, animal welfare, food safety, and nutritional special interest groups are driving policy and practices based on the amount of money they can sink into a campaign and the amount of fear they can drive into people's hearts.

Farmers become involved in politics as a way to connect with those representing them.

They become involved to put a face and a story to actions being contemplated. Farmers provide a specific examples of how certain rules or practice guidelines will be beneficial or detrimental to their business. Farmers become involved so that they can be knowledgeable, help their family farm and businesses prepare for the future, defend their heritage and rights as a property owner, small business owner/ operator and invest in the future of the land, agriculture, and their families.


Farmers become involved in politics because if it is not us, the farmers, then it is everyone else. If we don't get involved now, then when?

We know that we need to be present, active, and knowledgeable so that we are not forced to compromise our beliefs, heritage and future and risk the demise of the oldest industry and the backbone of our national economy at the hands of those who "think" they know what is best for us, but have never asked.

So, step up and get involved. Agriculture today and tomorrow needs you!

Those at the Table Make the Decisions

In a time of politic turmoil, I am kindly reminded that those who show up are the ones who make the decisions and are those that make a difference. Now, it could be debated that the difference and the decisions are not always what is needed. Nevertheless it is true.

Many are upset about the outcome of elections and just as many are celebrating. It comes down to showing up and making connections. If you want to influence people, communicate with the people that have the most skin in the game. ( FYI-These are not the CEO's.) These are the unemployed , the food purchaser, the driller or truck driver, farmer/ rancher, school teacher/ administrator, the doctors and nurses , miner and small business owner etc.

We must also acknowledge that we need to also approach our elected officials and invite them to come to the table and hear what is most important to each of us. If we do not converse with them they can only act on what is shared by those that do...
“The dinner table is the center for the teaching and practicing not just of table manners but of conversation, consideration, tolerance, family feeling, and just about all the other accomplishments of polite society except the minuet.”-Judith Martin

So, I encourage all to acknowledge where we are. Respect the position in which the elections placed a candidate, work from the ground up, inviting others to join in the dialogue and question decisions made. There is always room at the table, we simple have to add another chair!

We can make a difference. The power of 1 is much stronger than one thinks!

Prom Dresses and Politics

Today was a great day! I was able to work with numerous Jr. High and High School students who are filled with possibility and amazing perspective! Today they enlightened me for a bit with their thoughts on politics and prom dresses. It is amazing how they can tie these topics to the various science topics that they were to be learning about. Sometimes it was a stretch, but a connection nontheless.


What I learned:
* Smoking is a hot topic. Some feel it is a right, others a priviledge.
* Feel that elections should be won by the popular vote, not the electoral college.
* Politcal ads do not represent those running well.
* They are nervous for the future.
* They are happy to know that we only have 4 years and then there will be another opportunity.
* Politics are about ones chemistry with people, not the issues.
* They are concerned about our state because we have oil, natural gas and coal.
* Animal welfare is important to many differnt kinds of people.
* They realize that Farming and Ranching is at the heart of the North Dakota heritage.
* They are excited for the opportunity to vote!

I also learned:
* That prom dress shopping is a year long event.
* Dresses are expensive.
* There are a numerous styles and hundreds of colors/ patterns.
* Nothing is totally ruled out until it has been tried on.
* The laws of physics come into play when finding a dress that will fit correctly and stay up.
* Hours are spent searching online for just the "right" dress.
* All generally attend the dance, but choose to attend the party if it is good.
* Guys wait until closer to decide who they want to go to the dance with incase they are no longer dating the same person as they are today, but that it is understood that they will attend with whomever they are dating close to the Prom.

All in all, whether you are talking prom or politics, in the message the students shared it was all about the "P".... possibility, perspective, patience, popularity and the party!