My experience as a Washington wheat growers ambassador during the Olympia Legislative Days was more than I could have ever hoped. I was able to meet so many new people, from the other wheat growers that were with me to the government officials we met with. My favorite part was being able to talk about my experiences in agriculture to our representatives and senators. Our main goal for the trip was to share how important it is to maintain the viability of the agriculture industry. I was able to tell personal stories about growing up on my family farm, and how I view agriculture. I shared many stories about the challenges we face during the growing season of our crops all the way up to harvest. It was very rewarding to show them that behind every piece of legislation, there are real people affected by every government decision.
It was very interesting getting to speak with both Democrats and Republicans about the same topics. Though we may have had different political opinions, it was encouraging that everyone I talked with understood the importance of agriculture. By getting to talk to many different government officials, I was able to have a deeper understanding about how the legislative body makes and changes bills and policies. Meeting and talking to the Legislature was a big part of my experience, and I am thankful to have some truly memorable moments as well.
One of the biggest highlights I was lucky enough to experience in the Capitol Building was lunch with Sen. Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville). He was very kind and took us to the Senator’s cafeteria for lunch. I did not know the House and the Senate each have their own lunchrooms, but it was very cool. While we had lunch, Sen. Schoesler talked to us about being Washington wheat ambassadors and answered all of our questions about the things we had seen throughout the morning. It was really special to see a senator in such a casual, humanizing setting. It made the experience feel even more personal, as he genuinely took an interest in our perspectives as young people involved in agriculture. The conversation wasn’t just about politics; it was about our shared passion for farming, and how we can all work together to ensure that the next generation of farmers is supported.
The second highlight I wanted to share was walking on the floor in the House of Representatives. Rep. Tom Dent (R-Moses Lake) made sure I got everything out of my Capitol Building experience, and I sure did. Rep. Dent was so generous with his time by taking me down to the chamber floor and making sure I understood the full weight of being in that space. He gave me a detailed tour, explaining the ins and outs of how the chamber functions, how laws are passed, and the role that each representative plays.
Learning from the other Washington Association of Wheat Growers members that were a part of the trip was also a highlight of my experience. I think having many different types of members attend Olympia Days is a big benefit to the wheat growers. From older and younger generations, to women and men agriculturalists, we all had a story to share. It was fun being able to bounce ideas off of everyone during the meetings throughout the day. I often talked about the challenges for my brother or myself in returning home to farm while my dad is still farming. My story was then followed up by one of the older generation farmers in the room talking about how it’s difficult to find someone to take over their farm. Having multiple different perspectives of the same story worked well in our favor. Regardless of party, the wheat growers could make personal connections to people in the room.
Overall, my time as an ambassador not only gave me the chance to make meaningful connections, but it also empowered me to continue advocating for agriculture and ensuring that the voice of the farmer is heard in the halls of government. I truly believe the future of agriculture is as bright as ever, and the next generation will continue to shine.
