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Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

Collegiate Farm Bureau Hosts Brown Bag Seminar
Elizabeth Schilling, reporter, CAFNR Corner Post

Oct. 29, 2003-The Collegiate Farm Bureau hosted a Brown Bag Seminar at noon in 217 Mumford Hall, featuring Missouri Farm Bureau Chief Administrative Officer, Dan Cassidy and Missouri Farm Bureau Director of State Legislative Affairs, Leslie Holloway. The primary topic of the seminar was the Missouri Farm Bureau Resolutions Process. The Missouri Farm Bureau Policy Booklet indicates that this process is important because it is the method that keeps Farm Bureau responsive to the needs of its members at the grassroots level. This view was reiterated by both speakers. The audience was given a copy of the 2003 Policies Booklet.

Approximately 35 people attended the meeting- there was standing room only. A variety of questions and issues were raised and discussed during the seminar. Some of the issues discussed were Farm Bureau's position on Missouri toll bridges, rural education, eminent domain, and farm publications. The speakers and the audience had a good rapport. Cassidy stated, "Looking around the room, I see many of you here at MU that we (Farm Bureau) have come to for input especially in the areas of agricultural economics." Brent Carpenter, Research Associate-Department of Ag Econ, FAPRI, stated, "This was a good turn out. Dan did his usual good job. The discussion was excellent."

Holloway, who was described by Cassidy as the "eyes and ears of Missouri Farm Bureau in the state capitol" discussed the legislative process and how Farm Bureau has made an impact at the state level. Both Cassidy and Holloway emphasized, "It is the members that make policy. It takes a lot of people, most of whom are volunteers, that make Farm Bureau successful." Cassidy stressed, "The process allows us to get to know county leaders in the different areas of the state, personal relationships are formed and when we call them about an issue, they know it is important."

Ray Massey, Assistant Professor of Ag Economics said, "I was impressed with the degree by which Farm Bureau adheres to what its members say regarding issues and policy."

Farm Bureau is a voluntary, non-governmental farm organization which represents, serves and protects farmers and ranchers. It is financed by membership dues.

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