Hennings Says Lawmakers Are Receptive To Difficult Conversations

When it comes to addressing the concerns of Washington’s farmers and ranchers, Olympia has not always moved quickly, or sometimes at all.  But, during a recent trip to the state capital, Michelle Hennings, Executive Director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers said she had the opportunity to speak before several committees and groups about the challenges facing farm country.

We're Trying To Educate Lawmakers In Olympia

She said when presented with the facts about today’s Ag economy, there were many lawmakers who were receptive to what's happening.

"I think when we put the statistics out in front of them, they know that there's a problem," Hennings said.  "Our state's also in a deficit, so they're trying to juggle that as well.  So, it's just the fact of getting over there and educating. I felt people were receptive over it.”

Meeting With The Governor Is A Good Thing

Hennings also pointed out that she had an opportunity to sit down with Governor Bob Ferguson, a meeting she said was very positive.

“We haven't been in the governor's office for years," Hennings pointed out.  They didn't want to meet with us. And so when [Ferguson] allowed us to come into his office, have that conversation on what's happening with wheat in the state.  That's a step forward, right?  We can have those conversations, those difficult conversations, and that's what we need to be doing.”

Hennings also pointed out that Ferguson has reached out to the farming community before, which is another reason to be encouraged.

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