Taking Rural Voices to Capitol Hill
Farm Credit members and representatives visited Washington D.C. for the 2025 Farm Credit Fly-In.
Earlier this fall, nearly 1,000 Farm Credit directors, customers, and employees from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. for the Farm Credit Fly-In—an event designed to give agriculture a seat at the table where national decisions are made.
The Fly-In gave those who live and work in rural America the chance to meet face-to-face with lawmakers, share their stories, and highlight how Farm Credit supports agriculture and rural communities every day.
“The Farm Credit Fly-In is a powerful reminder that our voice matters,” said Farm Credit of Western Arkansas CEO Brandon Haberer. “When we meet with lawmakers, we’re not just advocating for Farm Credit. We’re standing up for the farmers, ranchers, and rural communities who depend on us every day.”
Why the Fly-In Matters
For more than a century, Farm Credit has helped farmers, ranchers, and rural homeowners get the financing they need to grow and succeed. But as times change, new challenges arise. Things like the Farm Bill, trade, and rural development programs all have a major impact on the people we serve.
That’s why the Fly-In matters so much. It gives Farm Credit a united voice on Capitol Hill and reminds lawmakers that the policies they shape in Washington reach all the way to the fields, barns, and small towns that feed and fuel our nation.
When Farm Credit shows up together, it makes a statement: we care deeply about the future of rural America, and we’re here to make sure it stays strong.
Arkansas on the Hill
Representatives from all three Arkansas Farm Credit associations—Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, AgHeritage Farm Credit Services, and Farm Credit Mid-America—joined together to host a legislative breakfast with Arkansas’ U.S. Senators, four Congressmen, and their staff members.
The breakfast was an opportunity to discuss key issues facing the farmers and ranchers we serve. Topics included the importance of a strong Farm Bill 2.0, challenges facing row crop farmers, the need to increase FSA loan limits, and other topics affecting Arkansas agriculture.
“As a farmer and board chairman, it’s an honor to represent our members in Washington,” said Steve Young. “The Fly-In gives us a chance to ensure that rural voices are heard and that Farm Credit continues to be a strong partner for agriculture.”
A Taste of Arkansas: Rural Route Farms
One of the highlights of the Fly-In was the Farm Credit Marketplace, a reception that celebrated farmers and ranchers from across the country. Set up like a farmers market along the D.C. Wharf, the event allowed members of Congress and their staff to meet Farm Credit customers and sample locally made products from coast to coast.
Representing Arkansas were Farm Credit members Justin and Randi Lowe of Rural Route Farms, commercial beekeepers from the River Valley region. The Lowes shared their delicious honey and honey granola, while also telling their story of how Farm Credit helped finance their growing operation.
At Rural Route Farms, Justin and Randi focus on raising honeybees, queens, and nucleus colonies (known as “nucs”) that help other beekeepers start and grow their own hives. Their work supports not only local beekeepers but also the pollinators that keep agriculture thriving.
“It’s important for producers to come to the Fly-In Marketplace is to advocate for all the diverse operations and farmers that Farm Credit is here to help,” said Justin Lowe.
One Mission, Many Voices
The 2025 Farm Credit Fly-In highlighted the power of connection between farmers and policymakers, local operations and national policy, and Farm Credit associations across the country.
“It was energizing to connect with leaders from across the country and share the unique challenges facing agriculture in Western Arkansas,” said CEO Brandon Haberer. “These conversations help shape policies that directly impact our borrowers and the future of rural America.”
Together, Farm Credit leaders, employees, and customers showed what it means to stand united for rural America. Because when rural voices are heard, rural communities thrive.
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