From staff reports

An opportunity of a lifetime occurred.

Friday, August 13, 1999

An opportunity of a lifetime occurred. Many missed it.

Lawmakers crucial to making agriculture policy for Minnesota came to listen to Freeborn County farmers. They wanted to find out what is happening on our farms and in our rural communities. They discovered little.

While lawmakers toured the Exol ethanol plant Wednesday and likely talked to farmers before and after their hearing Thursday, many area residents wasted the opportunity to voice their concerns about farm policy.

Some let others talk for them, but many personal stories were likely lost.

The reasons could be many, from a nervousness toward speaking in public to an unwillingness to voice personal worries.

But, all opportunity isn’t lost.

Farmers and other rural residents still have the opportunity to help influence the state’s agricultural policies.

Calls and letters to influential lawmakers can help get the message across. There is only one way to let legislators know what is happening on local farms – tell them.

Experts and lobbyists can say it over and over, but there is a special message sent when the average person is willing to step forward and tell their senator and representative what’s happening.

It’s time to take advantage of that opportunity and let the policy makers know how their policies can affect local lives.