Farm Credit Voices Rise In Washington, D.C. To Champion For Rural America, Young And Beginning Farmers

Farm Credit Services of America brings young and beginning producers to Washington D.C. to share real-world challenges and push for policies that secure agriculture’s future.

Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) joined more than 800 participants from across the Farm Credit System in Washington, D.C. for the national Farm Credit Fly-In earlier this month. Those attending included the association’s CEO, board members, teammates and customer-owners including young and beginning producers. 

Farm Credit representatives serving producers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico met their respective delegates. Throughout the one-day event, FCSAmerica – alongside its collaborating associations, AgCountry Farm Credit Services and Frontier Farm Credit – engaged in 33 Capitol Hill meetings with federal delegation members from each of the eight states they collectively serve. Operating under joint management while maintaining separate boards, the three associations represent a unified voice for agriculture across Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Eastern Kansas.  

“The Farm Credit Council Fly-In is a powerful reminder of why our mission matters,” said Mark Jensen, chief executive officer of FCSAmerica. “Bringing together producers, directors, and Farm Credit leaders on Capitol Hill allows us to share real stories from rural America. These conversations help policymakers understand that access to reliable credit is the backbone of agriculture and rural communities. At Farm Credit Services of America, we are committed to ensuring farmers and ranchers have the financial tools they need to thrive today and for generations to come.”

At the heart of FCSAmerica’s advocacy efforts, especially in these challenging times for agriculture, is advancing policies that support farmers, particularly young and beginning producers. Emerging farmers face unique challenges in accessing capital, managing risk, and building resilient operations. Producers going through FCSAmerica’s Starting Gate program were invited to join the fly-in to have their voices heard. Starting Gate is an FCSAmerica program which pairs producers with financial coaches to help them build business skills, plan strategically, and make informed decisions early in their careers.  

(L-R) Mark Jensen, chief executive officer, Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica); Brandon Strutzenberg, FCSAmerica producer from Manson, Iowa; Brandy Balzer, Developing Markets Manager – Young & Beginning, FCSAmerica, participate in the national Farm Credit Fly-In in Washington, D.C.

  “The fly-in was a tremendous experience and I deeply appreciated the opportunity to bring the voice of all farmers to the table in D.C.,” said Brandon Strutzenberg, Starting Gate participant and producer in Manson, Iowa.” It was a great experience to share what is happening out in the field and to make sure our lawmakers understand the decisions made in D.C. actually affect us back home. It also helped me understand the lengths that Farm Credit goes to represent farmers that I don’t often get to see. Our goal was to talk to members of Congress and talk about real issues farmers are facing and highlight programs that keep American agriculture strong. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to bring the voice of farmers to the table in D.C.”   

Tyler Foxworthy, Starting Gate participant and producer in Riverton, Wyoming added, “The biggest benefit I see with the fly-in is that it connects the elected officials to the producer on the ground. By closing that gap between them, we get a clearer message to both sides of the table. The fly-in is educational for everyone and gives a voice from the boots on the ground. It’s our opportunity to share the message that the farmer needs to tell.” 

While Congress has already acted on key provisions to strengthen the farm safety net and crop insurance and to bolster trade promotion programs, additional critical Farm Bill elements remain outstanding. These programs are essential for producers to thrive and for rural communities to remain strong.  

Andy Martin, vice president of legislative and public affairs at FCSAmerica, emphasized the importance and impact of this type of engagement, “When our customer-owners share their stories directly with lawmakers, it brings real-world context to the policies being debated,” Martin said. “We’re here to ensure rural voices are part of the national conversation.” 

The day closed with the Farm Credit Marketplace Reception where products from customer-owners were shared in a farmer’s market style setting for attending stakeholders and Congressional guests.  

The Fly-In is a unique event which highlights the Farm Credit System’s commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and the long-term success of agriculture. The Farm Credit Fly-In is hosted by the Farm Credit Council, the national trade association representing Farm Credit institutions. The event is designed to build reputational equity on Capitol Hill and highlight the cooperative structure and mission-driven impact of the Farm Credit System.

About Farm Credit Services of America

Farm Credit Services of America is a customer-owned financial cooperative proud to finance the growth of rural America, including the special needs of young and beginning producers. With more than $47.6 billion in assets and nearly $8 billion in members equity, FCSAmerica is one of the region’s leading providers of credit and insurance services to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and rural residents in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Learn more at fcsamerica.com.