Fewer Farmers Means Every Vote Matters More

By Trine Spindler, Marathon County Farm Bureau Member

Less than 2% of Americans are farmers today, yet the decisions made by elected officials affect every acre we farm, every animal we care for and every family. As fewer people have firsthand experience with farming, it has become increasingly important that those of us who do make our voices heard at the ballot box.

Hundreds of elected officials make decisions that affect us on the farm. These officials make decisions impacting the products we can sell, manure ordinances, weight limits on roads, zoning regulations and land-use decisions-all of which can shape the future of agriculture in Wisconsin. From county board members to state legislators, the governor, and U.S. Congressmen, the upcoming primary election on August 11 is your chance to help choose who you want to lead us.

Electing leaders who understand agriculture has never been more important. Farmers are working harder today, making less while watching the world around us change. Having elected officials who understand the realities of farming leads to better-informed lawmaking.

My husband and I are proud third-generation dairy farmers in Marathon County. Two years ago, I ran for Wisconsin's 86^th Assembly District to give farmers and rural families a stronger voice in Madison. Although I wasn't elected, my commitment to agriculture and rural Wisconsin has only grown.

Today, I serve as a town supervisor and Marathon County Farm Bureau board member and vice-chair of the Volunteers for Agriculture^® Committee, where I see firsthand how government decisions affect our farms and rural communities. I believe that when farmers step up, get involved and vote, we actively shape our future.

Voting in the November general election is important, but the primary election matters just as much. Primary elections determine which candidates advance to the general election and, in some races, may effectively decide the outcome.

Farmers are busy, so options like early in-person voting and absentee voting can make participation easier. The important thing is to make a plan and vote. Making an informed vote is also crucial. That's why the I Farm. I Vote. campaign was established to help busy rural Wisconsinites and agriculturalists like me stay aware of important races, election dates and key issues.

Through Volunteers for Agriculture® (VFA), Farm Bureau provides opportunities to learn about candidates and their understanding of agriculture. While Farm Bureau can help you become an informed voter, the responsibility to vote belongs to each of us.

As the number of farmers continues to decline, every agricultural vote carries even greater weight. Complaining in the barn after chores over a beer might feel good but it changes nothing. Real change only happens when farmers, like you and me, cast our informed vote.

Make a plan to vote. Encourage your family, friends and neighbors to vote. The primary is August 11, and you can find your ballot information on MyVote.WI.gov. The General Election for Wisconsin's next Governor is November 3.

Your vote is your voice. Make it heard.