Relationships matter

In the late spring, I had the privilege of watching a friend and former colleague testify in front of the Senate Agriculture Committee as part of his confirmation process to serve as U.S. Department of Agriculture undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs. It was a full-circle moment that reminds me just how important relationships are in shaping policy — especially in agriculture.

In Washington, D.C., it’s easy to get distracted by the headlines — big votes, bigger personalities and political infighting that feels more like theater than governance. But real progress happens quietly — and sometimes slowly. It happens when people who know your work, your values and your challenges are in the room when decisions are made.

That’s where associations like ours play a vital role: connecting the people who grow our food with the people who write the rules.

Whether you’re a grower, manufacturer or consultant, your voice adds CLARITY and URGENCY to our advocacy.

Trusted voices in the right rooms

When we talk to policymakers, we don’t just show up with a policy paper. We bring the voice of the farmer, the contractor, the manufacturer, the water manager. And increasingly, those voices are finding allies on the inside.

Aubrey Bettencourt’s leadership at the Natural Resources Conservation Service is a perfect example. She’s someone who understands what water efficiency means in practice — not just in theory. She knows how critical it is to support working lands, and she’s no stranger to the irrigation industry. Having people such as Chief Bettencourt in senior roles makes our conversations more productive from the start.

Policymakers tend to respond differently when they hear directly from producers. There’s a built-in credibility when a farmer shares what they need to manage water more efficiently or navigate drought. Those are the stories that resonate — the ones grounded in experience, stewardship and a deep connection to the land.

From Washington to Brussels

This isn’t just an American story. When I met recently with the European Union’s ambassador to the United States, agriculture was a key topic of discussion. Conversations around food security, sustainability and water use are happening at the global level, and irrigation is a critical part of that puzzle.

When we lead with data and real-world experience, we open doors — not just to new programs, but to international partnerships and innovation. The choices we make here can set the standard for water-smart agriculture around the world.

Help us make the case

To do that, we need your help. Every conversation we have on Capitol Hill is strengthened by your stories and insights. How is irrigation efficiency improving your operation? What barriers are you running into? What solutions are working?

Whether you’re a grower, manufacturer or consultant, your voice adds clarity and urgency to our advocacy. If we want lawmakers to prioritize water efficiency, we have to show them what it looks like on the ground — and why it matters.

Looking ahead

Congress has a full plate: spending bills, farm bill negotiations, trade tensions. There’s no shortage of noise. But as we’ve seen time and again, it’s relationships that cut through the static. Policy moves at the speed of trust.

Let’s keep building those connections. Let’s keep showing up. And let’s make sure the irrigation industry continues to have a seat — and a voice — at the table.

Nathan Bowen is the vice president of advocacy and public affairs for the Irrigation Association.