Exploring Food & Energy Policy - My Conversation on the North American Ag Spotlight Podcast

It was an pleasure to join Chrissy Wozniak on the North American Ag Spotlight Podcast recently. As the President of American Agri-Women, I had the opportunity to dive deep into the intricate world of agricultural policy, particularly the often complex and sometimes contradictory aspects of food and energy policy.

This marks the beginning of a series of discussions I'll be having with the podcast, where I'll provide updates on the latest happenings in Washington and across the United States. These conversations aim to shed light on how policy impacts the agriculture industry and, most importantly, what steps can be taken to address the challenges it poses.

In this specific episode of Ag Spotlight, we delved into the topic of "Contradictions & Conflicting Goals in Food & Energy Policy." Chrissy and I explored areas within these policies that need more clarity, and we discussed actionable steps that can be taken on behalf of the public to address these issues.

My connection to agriculture runs deep, stemming from my upbringing on our family's farm near Windsor, Illinois. Today, my husband Brian, our four children, and I continue to farm in Montgomery County, where we cultivate corn, soybeans, winter wheat, and Black Angus cattle. Our forward-thinking approach to farming leverages technology to implement regenerative practices and collect data to enhance farm management.

My academic journey has also played a significant role in my advocacy for agriculture. I earned my bachelor's degree in agriculture news/editorial, with an emphasis in geography and economics, from the University of Illinois. Furthermore, I hold a master's degree from the University of Illinois Springfield, where my research focused on post-socialist privatization. Over the years, I've used this knowledge to drive communication consulting and association management.

My impact in the agricultural realm extends beyond our farm and consulting work. I've had the privilege of holding leadership positions in various organizations. Notably, I've served as the Executive Director for the Upper Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri Rivers Association, as well as led statewide organizations in Illinois. My dedication is further evident in my role as the volunteer President of Illinois Agri-Women.

My influence goes beyond local and state levels. My accomplishments include founding the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation and chairing the Central Illinois Economic Development Authority, a substantial $250 million, 11-county bond authority. As an elected official on the Montgomery County Board, I played a pivotal role in leveraging coal royalty funds, resulting in a remarkable $15 million privately-funded fiberoptic infrastructure project.

My impact also extends beyond the borders of the United States. I've been appointed by multiple governors to serve on the Illinois Governor's Rural Affairs Council. My expertise in agriculture and technology has led to my reappointment by the Federal Communications Commission to serve on the Precision Agriculture Task Force, where I chair the Examining Current and Future Connectivity Demand Working Group.

Additionally, I proudly serve as Farm Journal Foundation's Lead Farmer for Illinois, advocating for agricultural research investments and training for smallholder farmers in developing countries.

American Agri-Women, a nationwide coalition of women from farms, ranches, and agri-business, is at the forefront of agricultural leadership. Our mission is to provide networking and leadership development opportunities while educating both our members and the public about issues affecting our ability to feed, fuel, and clothe our nation and others worldwide.

To learn more about American Agri-Women and our mission, please visit our website at https://americanagriwomen.org/.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZyVvN9EEcE