Agriculture is often called the backbone of our country, and for good reason.

Farmers and ranchers make up only about 2% of the population, yet they carry the enormous responsibility of producing the food, fiber and fuel that sustain our daily lives. That reality alone should remind all of us just how important it is to support agriculture and the organizations that advocate for it.

That is where Farm Bureau comes in. Farm Bureau exists to represent agriculture and the people who make it possible. One of the most important things people can do is simply be a member. Membership matters, even if you do not plan to attend a meeting or serve on a committee. Your membership helps strengthen the collective voice of agriculture at the local, state and national level. When we speak to lawmakers and leaders, numbers matter. The more members we have standing behind us, the stronger that voice becomes.

At the same time, there is tremendous value in becoming involved. Farm Bureau is truly a grassroots organization, and the county level is where much of the real work happens. Policies and positions are shaped by members who show up, share their perspectives and work together to find solutions. If you have concerns about the direction agriculture is taking or the stance Farm Bureau has on an issue, the best way to make a difference is to be involved in the process.

One criticism we often hear is that Farm Bureau either represents farms that are too large or that we focus too much on small farms. The truth is that agriculture includes operations of every size. When farmers and ranchers only make up 2% of the population, it is more important than ever that we support all of agriculture. Whether someone farms one acre or thousands, whether they are first-generation producers or part of a multi-generational family farm, they are contributing to the future of our food system.

Agriculture today faces many challenges. Farmland loss, economic pressures, renewable energy development and many other issues are affecting farmers across the country. These challenges did not appear overnight, and they will not be solved overnight. Progress takes time, thoughtful discussion and people willing to work together even when opinions differ.

Our county Farm Bureau board reflects the diversity of agriculture itself. We have small farmers, large-scale producers, first-generation farmers and families who have been farming for generations. What they all share is a commitment to agriculture and a willingness to work together for the good of the industry.

At the end of the day, Farm Bureau is driven by its members. The policies we support come from the voices of the people involved. If you care about the future of agriculture, the most important thing you can do is be part of the conversation. Join. Get involved when you can. Share your perspective. Agriculture’s future depends on people who are willing to stand together and speak up for the industry that feeds us all.

Visit ohiofarmbureau.org to learn more about Farm Bureau or call our office at 440-426-2195.

Orahood is the organization director at Ohio Farm Bureau Federation for Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties.