Missouri Rural Crisis Center

We shared with you some pictures of our meetings on Capitol Hill, but we wanted you to know how much more there is to a DC fly-in than just the meetings. There is also the opportunity to gather and build power with the other groups that make up Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment (CFFE). We meet all year long to make sure the work in our respective states complements and builds on what is being done by the other member groups. The CFFE Farmer Fly-In is a fellowship opportunity as well as a chance to strategize about how we "take the big swings" together and how we bring that work home to our own states. Big shout outs to , Illinois Stewardship Alliance , Land Stewardship Project , , , and for keeping us inspired, sharing resources, and holding down this sometimes heavy work in your corner of the world. Special thanks to Patty Lovera for keeping us all on track. The meetings are important but the work goes on all year.

It was a whirlwind week, and a successful DC farmer fly-in is in the books! We had numerous meetings on the Hill last week with members of our Congressional delegation (and their staffs), including both Senators Hawley and Schmitt, as well as Representatives Cleaver, Bell, and Burlison from Missouri, and members of the House Monopoly Busters Caucus. We were able to discuss the dire circumstances farmers are facing, and the need for bolder action than the House Farm Bill provides. We were proud to have our member leaders, Noah Earle and Leah Heidlage, on hand to talk about the impacts these policies have on their farms, in the grocery store aisles, and in their local communities!

Missouri is such a diverse state, even when it comes to our rural communities! As we come to the close of , we're shouting out our volunteers from all corners of the state!

With input and feedback from members like Dan, who lives in Southeast Missouri, we are working hard every day to assure we are centering issues that impact ALL of us!

“I was honored to be asked to serve on the MRCC Health Care Committee. Part of my youth was spent in Ozark Hill country, and I know the challenges of receiving proper health care in rural Missouri. What I like most about the committee is its pro-active approach to crucial health issues being considered at the State Capitol. It was gratifying to be a part of the mini-lobby day where we met with state Senators on the disastrous impact of the Medicaid reform bill currently under consideration." - Dan Diedriech

Thank you to Dan and all of our amazing volunteers who put their time and talents into making our work meaningful and powerful. You're invaluable to the MRCC family.