Porterfield: More Washington Farmers Need To Be Active In Farm Bureau

In an effort to encourage more farmers to see the value of the organization and to join, the Washington Farm Bureau recently created the Promotion and Education Committee. Chairman Kady Porterfield said it’s vital, regardless of commodity or location, that farmers statewide work together. She added if the Washington farming community does not stand up and fight for itself, lawmakers will continue to pass bad legislation.

“The more people we have involved, the different kinds of strengths and skill sets are going to be a part of the Farm Bureau membership, to help us with our messaging and being able to be in Olympia, sharing our story about how legislation affects us and how its going to affect farming and ranching into the future.”

Porterfield added it’s so important for young farmers to step up and get involved. She noted while advocacy on social media is great, it’s not enough.

“Times are changing, and I think our generation actually see what kind of changes are coming and are trying to adapt to that, and you know, sometimes our voices need to be heard over the older generation.  So, we need to be there, because we are the one that are going to be affected.”

Porterfield said going forward, her committee hopes to work on promoting agritourism in the state as well as assisting local and regional fairs.

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