As I have traveled across our great country this year, I have experienced all types of agriculture, foods, and landscapes. But as I drive local roads and byways, there is one constant theme everywhere– a bumpy ride. That’s because our country has underinvested in the infrastructure we rely on to get our families from place to place and our farm goods from field to market. The underinvestment isn’t limited to roads or bridges but includes our ports, canals, railways, and strained power grid.

When farmers and ranchers invest in their farms, we do so because it helps us grow more with less and do it safely. That’s why the American Farm Bureau has been calling for a significant investment in our nation’s infrastructure for years. Well, after months of negotiating and hearing from our grassroots members, Congress has passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill.

Thirteen farm and ranch women leaders graduated today from the fall session of Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The intensive four-day course completed by the agricultural leaders featured hands-on sessions related to public speaking, working with the media and messaging. Graduates will use their training in a variety of ways including participating in local media opportunities to support Farm Bureau’s policy work, sharing information with elected officials and joining social media campaigns to share positive messages about agriculture.

These crisp, cool fall days are the perfect time to explore your local pumpkin patch or orchard. However, for many producers and businesses, visibility can be difficult without the right marketing and promotion. The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is looking for orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and more to showcase on a new app dedicated to connecting consumers with agritourism venues.