Each year, NFFC invites farmers from across our membership to share their stories with Congress during our Washington, DC fly-in. We heard from a Wisconsin dairy farmer who recently had to sell her cows due to low milk prices, a Texas farmer burdened by a $3 million frozen USDA contract, and cattle ranchers from Montana and North Dakota calling for fairer, more transparent beef markets for their product—just to name a few. The stories brought to DC represented the widespread challenges and aspirations of independent farmers nationwide. Though each farmer faces unique circumstances, they all share a common thread: perseverance in the face of adversity.

Democratic engagement with legislators is always a key tenet of NFFC, but is especially crucial during challenging times where crisis seems to be around every corner. Fortunately, NFFC is supported by an incredible group of dedicated members excited to take the next level of action and show up on Capitol Hill. This year we welcomed 26 delegates to our fly-in from 17 member organizations – some seasoned veterans with decades of experience and others bringing fresh, youthful energy to our coalition.

The Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) group meets with Sen. Tim Sheehy’s (R-MT) legislative staff. From left: Kindra Arnesen, Travis Anderson, Scott Sweeney, Joshua Jamison, Landon Lunsford, John Clayton and Heather Day. Photo by NFFC.

We kicked off the week with an opening gathering on Tuesday, February 25 where we connected across the dinner table, honed the stories we would share with legislators, and strategized to ensure our message of farm policy reform was heard and understood. During our dinner, we welcomed Representative Alma Adams (D-NC-12), who in between her busy voting schedule offered our delegation hope, inspiration, and most importantly, courage to keep fighting in the face of hardships. We’d need all three over the next few days.

As in the past couple of years, our fly-in delegates were placed into five different groups, each devoted to educating offices on and advocating for one topic from our member-driven policy priorities and updated Farm Bill platform. This year’s groups called for legislative action on farmland access and governance; fair farm credit; dairy sector support; restoring Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL); and protecting on-farm slaughter. Together, our groups met with 50 bipartisan Congressional offices – quite the accomplishment in just a few days on the Hill!

Members of the On-Farm Slaughter group meet in Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office. From left: Wes Gillingham, Jeremy Dixon, and Kenya Abraham. Photo by NFFC.

In a follow up survey, one delegate shared:

“It is very powerful to be in a group bringing different experiences and strengths, yet speaking as one. I recommend participating to anyone who has not tried it, even if you think it’s not your thing; it’s heartening.”

The most important outcome of the fly-in is the unique opportunity provided to build power among our coalition. Those with us in DC brought a wide range of experiences and knowledge with them to every office visit from across agricultural sectors, race, gender, and age. Finding common ground is one of NFFC’s guiding principles – bridging collaboration among all of our representatives is key to our shared strength and success.

Icyreen Ford, representing the Kentucky Black Farmers Association, said:

Ben Burkett speaking with Icyreen Ford as part of the Land Group. Photo by NFFC,

“I was deeply inspired by the farmers I met—both first-generation farmers and those whose land has been in their families for generations…Being surrounded by passionate advocates with years of experience reinforced the power of collective action and the importance of policies that support the next generation of farmers.”

Our work isn’t over after leaving DC – the power built through our fly-in has a ripple effect, channeled by delegates upon their return home. NFFC is a national coalition, but our work is made possible thanks to the groundwork laid in local communities by our members across the country.

In her blog reflecting on her fly-in experience, Kaitlyn Kimball (owner-operator at Sunset Farm and member of NOFA-CT) shared:

“I feel energized in my commitment to advocacy work, but also realize that proximity to power is just one strategy to employ for change. Sitting in Congressional offices was exciting, memorable, and impactful, but there is also ample opportunity for power in our local communities…Now more than ever we must continue to invest in local organizations, mutual aid, and businesses to create a network of resilience and support in the face of racism, classism, and other threats to our dignity.”

The fly-in not only helped elevate our collective voice but also ignited a renewed commitment to both national advocacy and local community-building. As NFFC’s work continues, we will continue to empower each other, strengthen our coalition, and drive the policy reform and systemic change needed to ensure a more equitable and resilient agricultural future for all.

NFFC member organizations who participated in the fly-in include:

Agrarian Trust; Community Alliance for Global Justice; Community Farm Alliance; Dakota Resource Council; Dakota Rural Action; Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance; Family Farm Defenders; Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund; Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement; Kentucky Black Farmers Association; Land Loss Prevention Project; North American Marine Alliance; Northeast Organic Farming Association (VT, MA, CT, & NY chapters); Northern Plains Resource Council; RAFI-USA; Rural Vermont; Women, Food and Agriculture Network