2024 AAW Fly-In: Reflections of Involvement
‘A Force for Truth’ is the American Agri-Women’s motto. “Uniting Women across the Ag and Natural Resource Industries” in Washington DC is precisely what has been accomplished June 2-4, 2024. I was deeply honored to be associated with these strong women leading and shaping our industry’s future while representing Illinois Agri-Women. Not only was I representing IAW, but I was joined by Heather Hampton + Knodle, Heather’s son, Bond Knodle and Gorette “GoGo” Kupsa of Galesburg IL. “Knock your socks off” is an understatement describing my first year attending the AAW Fly-in; it will not be the last time I hope to represent IAW either at the AAW Fly-In. As a “middle-aged” woman in agriculture, it was a privilege seeing women agvocating in their 20s and women close to their 80s talking policy with those who make the decisions for the nation. Regardless of age or experience, each woman demonstrated a strong backbone when leading the future, fighting for our rights, making a difference, and filling me with a sense of unity, friendship, and bond, which is truly inspiring.
I knew the first ever expanded AAW Fly-In would be overflowing with meetings and information. I was happy to see that my thoughts were correct. Sunday June 2, 2024, was a day for information, collaboration, and learning how to “make an impact at the local, state and federal levels”. Listening to Anthony Watts regarding climate change, and Rob Gordan on the Species Act and how it is affecting the nation. I cannot forget the powerful message from the panel of peers, Chrissy Wozniak speaking on her decision to move to the States from Canada and the difference in the two countries; Mindy Patterson, President of the Cavalry Group, describing why she started the non-for-profit so she is able fight for the protection, defined the Constitutional and safeguard the livelihood of those in the industry; along with Debbie Bacigalupi traveling to different countries and U.S. to attend conferences regarding global warming, then relaying to others what could happen to our industry due to the United States Government working with the U.N. and other countries. All three women are leaders in this forum and leave a legacy for the next generation.
Monday June 3rd was an adventure, as I have never been to USDA, the American Petroleum Institute, EPA or the Capitol Hill. As one the women gathered at USDA for the Symposium regarding “Climate Change-At What Cost?” presented by AAW Past Presidents. During the symposium we had the opportunity to listen to Anthony Watts regarding the facts and the extremism regarding climate change. Rebekah Adock, Vice President of Government Relations at the International Fresh Produce Association, spoke on the importance of common sense and the balancing act regarding the climate change, along with the motivating words from Kelsey Barnes, Director of Government Affairs at the Farm Journal Foundation regarding sharing insights on food security and policy. From USDA we traveled to the lunch hosted by American Petroleum Institute which hosted AAW with lunch, while listening to Amanda Eversole speaking about America’s natural gas and oil industry, along with the 11 million U.S. jobs the API supports. I know I could have stayed at API for the remainder of the day as the questions and conversation were very informative.
Monday was rounded off by sitting at the EPA. I will admit I was a bit disappointed in the EPA roundtable. As most of the department representatives were not as informative as the other days.
Tuesday June 4th started the morning off by returning to the USDA for a roundtable with different leaders of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Forest Service (USFS), Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Agriculture Future for America (AFA) and National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). After leaving the USDA the group was onto the most important job of the entire trip, Visiting Capitol Hill speaking with our Senators, Congressmen, and Women regarding the 2024 AAW Fly-In White Papers. Some women when speaking with their states government officials, they not only mentioned information from the AAW White papers such as signing of The Farm Bill, Taxation, Water for All, Support for the EATS Act and Opposition to the Animal Rights-Driven Federal Legislation, the request to return the Federal Milk Market Order (FMMO) Reform, Opposition to the Dairy Digesters and RNG in the IRA section of the 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit, Support of the Agency Oversight from Congress, and the urging of Forest Management, but also issues from their own State. Heather Hampton+Knodle had previously set up meetings with the Senator’s, Congressmen, and Congresswomen. Due to being in sessions, we mainly spoke with a staff member. Tuesday was finished off by attending a reception at the House Ag Committee room in the Longworth Building. Again, there was few Senators, Congressmen, and congresswomen, as President Biden was holding a picnic on the White House lawn. I can’t believe that people skipped an AAW reception to attend a White House picnic? I mean we are a great organization and a group of strong women. Even though few States officials were in attendance, I was still able to chat with members of their staff.
Jacquie Compston of the American Agri-Women Foundation also informed me at the USDA on Tuesday that I was chosen to receive the American Agri-Women Gail McPherson Fly-In Scholarship. To say I was honored is an understatement. Another way, I am proud to represent the IAW organization. This scholarship is very helpful in going toward expenses from the Fly-In.
As women in this industry, “Unity, Action, and Influence”, along with attending the AAW 2024 Fly-In 2024 has left an impact on me, confirming my commitment to our industry and inspiring me to continue my agvocacy efforts. “If the Lord’s willing, and the creek don’t rise,” this Illinois Agri Women, Road to Influence cohort, and Gail McPherson Fly-In scholarship recipient will be attending the Fly-In in the future.
As with IAW’s statement of purpose, “We, as a women’s agricultural organization and individuals, unite together to communicate with one another and with other consumers to promote agriculture for the benefit of the American people and the world.” I am proud to be a part of Illinois Agri-Women, American Agri-Women and a Road to Influence Cohort, all while representing an “organization of farm and Agri-businesswomen promoting a better understanding of agriculture and the family farm system” As I have mentioned many times regarding the different aspects in my life, I will walk the path (together) while setting standards for those who will walk beside us and those who will follow
I want to say thank you to the women who came before me, laid the path, and leading by example. Without you I would not have had the privilege to “Speak out in the support of the American Farmer and the farm industry.
Vikkie Becker
Alexander, Il – Morgan County
Illinois Agri-Women
American Agri-Women
Road to Influence Cohort
