In rural Bates County the farmers and ranchers are committed to the land by growing crops and raising livestock. We know the hardships and the good times working to support our family farms and the task of passing our way of life on to the next generation. We have a strong grasp on what it takes to produce the products needed for everyday life. From the milk in a school lunch to soybeans used in cooking oil and margarine. According the 2017 census of agriculture, less than 2% of the employed U.S. population is engaged in farming, in comparison Bates County has less than 12% of our county population working on farms. In Bates County we have a better understanding of rural life and production ag than the majority of the nation. Being such a small part of the total population, how can we make our voices heard across our state and the across the country? A membership in Missouri Farm Bureau,for just $30 a year your membership is put to work at the largest agriculture advocacy and grassroots organization in the state. Farm Bureau allows members on a local level to have a voiceand representation in Jefferson City and Washington D.C. fighting for issues that are important to farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Issues that affect rural producers for example such as trade, transportation and infrastructure, science-based animal agriculture regulations, rural broadband internet access, and property rights.
Farm Bureau is a strong advocate and educator for our way of life to the more than 98% of Americans who are less familiar with production ag and how important the job is that we do for the nation and for the world. Along with advocacy and representation, members enjoy a host of discounts and benefits at Choice Hotels, Drury Hotels, Case IH, Ford Motor Company,John Deere, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Office Depot/Office Max, Silver Dollar City, Six Flags, and World of Fun to name a few. For questions and becoming a member go to mofb.org/memberbenefits or stop by the local office at 101 S Main St. Butler, MO. 64730.
