ARA Connects Over 120 Members with Federal Lawmakers
Mar 11 2026
Connecting with Congress
During the first week of March, ARA connected over 120 ARA members with over 130 Congressional offices on both sides of the aisle to promote ARA’s public policy priorities.
“Direct dialogue between Congress and ag retailers is the most effective way to shape policy,” said Richard Gupton, ARA’s SVP of Public Policy. “Through their in‑person meetings, over 120 ARA members ensured the ag retail sector was fully and accurately represented at the center of policymaking.”
ARA is the only national association dedicated to supporting ag retailers who supply America's farmers with everything they need to grow a healthy crop. The annual ARA Fly-In is our industry's most impactful advocacy event of the year because legislators hear directly from their constituents (not just from ARA's public policy experts). While many are already on board with ag-friendly policies, other lawmakers need education about the value ag retailers bring to their communities and local economies.
Before heading to the Hill, ARA members attend a Lobbying 101 breakfast to learn best practices and align messaging around the 2026 policy priorities established by the membership.
Immediate Impact
The timing couldn’t have been better for the fly-in this year, as the House Agriculture Committee markup for the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (Farm Bill) was scheduled for the evening of ARA’s fly-in.
This presented ARA members with the perfect opportunity to advocate for ARA’s priorities in the legislation, such as provisions that strengthen the farm safety net and risk management tools, invest in conservation and research, and promote trade and rural development. Each of these priorities helps ensure that retailers and their supplier partners can continue to make long-term investments that support farmer success.
The following day, the House Ag Committee passed the Farm Bill by a bipartisan vote of 34-17.
"Chairman G.T. Thompson’s Farm, Food, and National Security Act supports the agricultural industry while maintaining farmer access to modern agricultural technologies, including critical pesticides and other crop protection tools," said ARA’s President & CEO, Daren Coppock. “ARA looks forward to continuing our work with Congress to advance this legislation, which strengthens the farm economy and ensures a safe, abundant, and affordable food supply for American consumers and global markets.”
When ARA members weren't in meetings on Capitol Hill, they were either sharing ideas in committee meetings or at networking events.
“The ARA Fly-In creates far more than dialogue on Capitol Hill- it establishes the foundation for ongoing, productive relationships between ag retailers and the decision-makers in Congress. Strengthening trust between rural communities and Washington is essential to ARA’s advocacy mission,” said Dave Spears, ARA’s Board Chair.
Honoring Senator Mike Crapo as ARA’s 2025 Legislator of the Year
During the fly-in, ARA members honored U.S. Senate Committee on Finance Chairman Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) with the 2025 Legislator of the Year award for his support of agricultural retailers by working tirelessly to promote our industry and protect their freedom and license to operate.
"Idaho agriculture's fundamental role in our communities is clear, with agribusiness accounting for the largest share of Idaho's economy. It is an honor to receive ARA's Legislator of the Year Award as I continue pressing for sensible solutions that ensure long-term stability of federal policy affecting farm communities. Their success is vital for feeding our nation, building our communities and growing our economy," said Senator Crapo.
Continuing the Conversation
ARA’s efforts to connect ARA members with their federal lawmakers are year-round through ARA’s coordination of congressional facility visits during congressional recess periods.
To give ag retailers and suppliers the tools they need to succeed during these visits, ARA created the Congressional Facility Visit Guide - a simple, step‑by‑step roadmap for hosting educational tours. For years, ARA members have used these visits to showcase their operations and build lasting trust with lawmakers seeking insight into ag retailer operations.
“The energy generated during the Fly-In will continue as members invite their elected officials into their operations to witness our industry’s dedication to safety and responsible stewardship,” commented Hunter Carpenter, ARA’s Senior Director of Government Affairs.
ARA also makes it easy for retailers to contact their Congressional Representatives through ARA’s Take Action Portal. This portal provides pre-written letters advocating for policies that impact industry operations, which can be sent directly to your representatives. Sign up for email alerts to be among the first to know when you need to take action!
Meeting with the Administration
To close out the fly-in, ARA’s Board of Directors met with six Trump Administration senior officials at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, located on the White House complex.
Attendees had policy discussions with Justin Schwab, the General Counsel for the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ); Ambassador Julie Callahan, the Ambassador to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and Chief Agricultural Negotiator of the United States; Courtney Knupp, the Senior Advisor to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary and the Senior Policy Advisor to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins for Trade and Food Safety; Kelsey Barnes, the Senior Advisor to the USDA Secretary for Rural Development, Biofuels, and Research, Education, and Economics; Kyle Kunkler, the Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and Calley Means, the Senior Advisor to U.S. Health and Human Services Department (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.
ARA is thankful to the Administration for the opportunity for our members to directly engage with White House officials about policies and federal regulations that impact the agricultural industry.
ARA’s annual fly‑in once again showcased the power of bringing our members and federal lawmakers together to influence the policies that shape ag retail’s future. By showing up, speaking out, and working together, we’re strengthening our ability to operate and innovate. The momentum ARA generated will carry forward as we continue advocating for the tools, technologies, and regulatory clarity our industry needs.
