Chenango County Farm Bureau Representatives Jordan Fleming and Zachary Meseck stand with Congressman Tom Suozzi following a meeting on the House Chamber steps. (Submitted Photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY – The Chenango County Farm Bureau sent two representatives to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal legislators and discuss the issues facing today’s farmers.

According to the New York State Farm Bureau Associate Director of National Affairs Lauren Williams, the Chenango County Farm Bureau sent Jordon Fleming of Guilford and Zachary Meseck of Preston to discuss issues including rural broadband, taxes, and climate change with legislators at the capitol.

Williams said individuals from Tompkins, Chemung, and Schuyler Counties named Lin Davidson, Meg Bush, Nikole Watts, Mark McCullouch, and Mallory McCullouch joined the Chenango County representatives in their efforts to educate, inform, and persuade legislators in D.C.

Williams added that prior to meetings with legislators, the farm bureau members were split into teams and were educated on many of the current issues important to farmers throughout New York State. She added the teams had the chance to speak with legislators directly, or their agriculture representatives from their offices. She said teams were able to meet with the congressional representative’s offices of Tom Suozzi, Claudia Tenney, Adriano Espaillat, John Katko, Antonio Delgado, and more.

When asked about the experience, Chenango County Farm Bureau Representative Zachary Meseck said the discussions highlighted the importance of people having the ability to communicate with legislators, share their personal stories, and advocate for agriculture.

“It was an honor to discuss the needs of farmers with the congressmen, and I think it’s fair to say that those concerns apply to people all throughout Chenango County,” said Meseck. “As a team, we were able to cover topics from internet access to milk pricing, and push for the support of several bills that are intended to help farmers all over New York State.”

“Opportunities like these give us a chance to fight for the farmers we have left, and it’s important that people who live in rural communities like ours let congress know what we need.”

Meseck said the trip wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of representatives from the New York State Farm Bureau such as Lindsay Wickham and Lauren Williams, along with Bradd Vickers from the Chenango County Farm Bureau.

He added that those who are interested in learning more about the Chenango Farm Bureau may visit its website at ccfbny.org or visit its Facebook page, and those who want to know more about Farm Bureau stances may visit the New York State Farm Bureau’s website at nyfb.org/engagements for more information.

- Submitted by the Chenango County Farm Bureau