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Some Thinking Points For Calling a Federal Representative in Support of the Honor Farmer Contracts Act

Personal stories are very powerful. Elected representatives hear a lot from lobbyists and paid advocates for various causes. But nothing is more impactful to a representative than a real opinion connected to a real story from a real constituent that lives in their District. Thank you for taking the time to reach out to them. Find your representative here.  Below is a suggested framework for scripting a call to a representative. Be sure to plan your comments ahead of time. You will likely leave a message or talk to a staffer. Staffers generally do a great job of communicating your story to the representative. If you are leaving a message, be sure to leave your number for a call back. 

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1.     Tell them who you are, where you live, what you do for a living, or a little about your family. 

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2.     Thank the legislator. Be specific as you can. If they have supported a bill you liked, or done something you have appreciated in the past, thank them for it. Maybe you can't think of anything specific they have done, but you can at least thank them for taking the time to talk with you. Even if you really disagree with their politics or positions, start off with a friendly and generous tone. â€‹

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3.     Share a personal story about how USDA and NRCS conservation funding has helped you or would help you to achieve your goals, how it would help other farmers to overcome barriers to conservation investments,  how technical assistance is important, or how NRCS staff have been important to your operation or bottom line.  Be as specific as possible.

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4.     Consider what the Legislator values. What messages might resonate most with them? Fiscal responsibility? Perhaps emphasize how conservation funding for farmers now prevents much more costly flood damage to communities later. Also consider what might be offensive or controversial to them. For example, try to stay positive about grazing or cover cropping rather than critical of other forms of agriculture.

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5.     Ask them specifically to support the Honor Farmer Contracts Act and to restore funding for terminated programs and projects that were contractually agreed upon. Ask them to support general Farm Bill allocations for agricultural conservation, and full staffing in NRCS offices to provide technical support to farmers. 

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6.      Leave your number for a call back. 

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Here are details about the Honor Farmer Contracts Act: 

  • Require USDA to honor signed contracts and agreements.

  • Require USDA to make past due payments quickly.

  • Prohibit USDA from canceling contracts with farmers or organizations unless there is a breach of terms or conditions.

  • Prohibit the closure of USDA agency offices unless a 60-day notice is provided.

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Let's work together! 

Do you have a personal story of a terminated contract or delayed reimbursement? We would love to help you craft a message and convey it to people with influence. Contact Chuck Anderas, Assistant Policy Director, at canderas@michaelfields.org.

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