Rural Highways Must Become A Priority In DC

An often overlooked but vital aspect of rural life is the safety and maintenance of highways, roads and bridges.  Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing recently testified before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, on the importance of maintaining rural roadways.

“I think our main message was just how important that rural infrastructure, bridges, highways, all of it, is to agriculture and rural communities. When you look at how food gets from our farms to consumers, that all takes place on a rural road or bridge."

Glessing says it’s more important than ever for farmers and ranchers to make their voices heard with their elected officials.

“Because they don't know what they don't know. When we come and talk to them about the issues that we're facing in the rural areas, it helps shed light on issues that we're having, and when we talk about the importance of it, we try and convey that message so that they have a better handle on that first-hand knowledge.”

He added the first step in getting involved in advocating for agriculture is to join a group, where many voices come together with the same message.

“Well, I would say, join an organization, whether that's Farm Bureau or commodity groups, make sure your voice is heard on these issues, and really, coming together as a collective group, your points are well taken and respected," Glessing noted.  "So, I would ask for those folks who want to get involved to join a group.” 

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