President’s Podium: A Time of Uncertainty, A Time for Connection

Each month, I write a column for this newsletter. Usually, the subject comes naturally; some hot topic or aspect of being President of RMFU is at the top of my mind. I’m struggling this month. No, not because I haven’t been doing anything, not because there aren’t any hot topics, and definitely not because I don’t have much on my mind. Like most of our members (and most Americans), trade is a hot topic. For the last two months, we have heard there would be tariffs, then there weren’t, then lower, then across-the-board, then higher. The uncertainty is bad for our family farmers, ranchers, and Americans.

NFU and RMFU are preparing to go to Washington DC, next month largely to try to get a Food and Farm Bill moving. I was in Washington, DC, in January, meeting with federal legislators and their staff. At that time I was optimistic. With all the delays and partisan talk lately I am less so, but still optimistic we can do better than extending the 2018 Food and Farm bill into its 8th year.

Not all my work and thoughts are around problems; there have been a lot of positives. It has become apparent that RMFU is a well-respected organization. At the 2025 NFU Annual Convention, I saw our delegates bring a very timely and important Special Order of Business that was adopted. I saw our delegates speak for our members in RMFU (even speaking in three different languages!) I heard the respect that other states have for our organization. In the last few months, I have lost track of the number of interviews I have done, with the memorable ones being Colorado Public Radio, Time Magazine, Denver 7, and BBC Radio out of London. People outside agriculture, and especially outside agriculture in the Mountain West, are hearing our voices and reaching out to learn more.

RMFU has also started having spring meetings, leadership retreats, and our new class of Fellows are beginning their journey. The education side of our organization is critical to ensure the good work that we are doing in speaking for family farmers and ranchers. I know there is never a great time for those in agriculture to take an evening or a day off to participate, but now, more than ever, it is critical for the future and for our members to have connections and conversations.

It’s always a tough conversation, and those of us who are used to working alone and doing everything that needs to be done are the worst at it, but during these challenging times, take care of yourself. Agriculture and life are stressful in normal times, and these are not normal times. Everybody needs an outlet, a friend, a person to talk to at times. If you are overwhelmed, there’s too much to do and too much outside of your control, step back, think about what really matters, and connect with someone. Agriculture has one of the highest suicide rates in the country. Your family, friends, and neighbors would gladly sit and have a drink, hear your struggles, and help you. If you have a neighbor struggling, reach out and take an afternoon off to talk. There will always be more items on the “to-do” list, but our family, friends, and neighbors won’t always be there, cherish them, and support them while they are.