The Family Farm Alliance is planning its annual trip to Washington, D.C. this September 14-17. The Alliance’s annual Farmer Lobbyist Trip provides an opportunity for face-to-face conversations with members of Congress, federal agencies, and other key decision-makers about the issues that will shape the future of Western irrigated agriculture. From drought response and water infrastructure investment to regulatory reform and long-term water reliability, these discussions help ensure that the perspectives of farmers, ranchers, and irrigation leaders are part of the policy conversation.

Last year’s trip included more than 50 meetings over three days, creating meaningful opportunities to educate policymakers and build relationships that continue long after the meetings end. There is simply no substitute for having producers and water managers in the room, sharing firsthand how federal policies affect their operations, their communities, and our nation’s food security. More than 25 farmers, ranchers, and water managers from across the West have already confirmed their attendance this year, and while in Washington they will meet with members of Congress, committee staff, and federal agency leaders.

This opportunity is open to all of our members. If you are a farmer, rancher, irrigation district manager, or other agricultural water leader who wants to help shape federal water policy, we encourage you to attend. The most effective advocates are those living these issues every day. You don’t need policy experience; your firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing Western irrigated agriculture is exactly what members of Congress and federal agencies need to hear. You’ll join experienced Alliance leaders as we meet directly with lawmakers and decision-makers to ensure the voice of irrigated agriculture is represented where it matters most.

The decisions being made in Washington will shape the future of water and agriculture across the West for decades to come. If you’d like to be part of those conversations, we encourage you to join us. For additional information or to reserve your spot, please contact Samantha Barncastle, Executive Director, at samantha@familyfarmalliance.org.

The Family Farm Alliance is a powerful advocate for family farmers, ranchers, irrigation districts, and allied industries in seventeen Western states. The Alliance is focused on one mission: to ensure the availability of reliable, affordable irrigation water supplies to Western farmers and ranchers.