Hello Again :)

First, I apologize for my little hiatus. I really have no excuse other than a temporary lack of motivation that, thankfully, seems to have resolved itself.

So now to get caught up...
Missed Friday Post#1: My Animal Agriculture Advocacy and Policy class hosted a panel of lawmakers a couple of weeks ago and it was great to get some insight, and more importantly, to really discuss the public's perception of our industry and how that affects policy and regulations. We welcomed Representative Don Arms, Chair of House Appropriation Committee for Natural resources, Senator Mike Schultz, the current Senate Floor Leader, and Senator Brian Crane, a very urban, yet influential and supportive lawmaker from Tulsa.

Missed Friday Post #2: This past week, we had a similar discussion with Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture, Jim Reese, Mrs. Blayne Arthur, Legislative Liaison for the Oklahoma Department of Ag, and Dr. David Vontonglen, a very involved Oklahoma veterinarian who understands the importance of speaking up.

The theme of both classes were very similar, and we discussed some common ideas:

• The most effective form of lobbying is done by constituents. You have a voice, so use it!
• Don't strong arm legislators. It will backfire.
• VOTE! And when you do, support agriculturalists!

And that's the lesson in a nutshell! Stay tuned for Tuesday Ten!!!!

TTYL,
JanLee :)