A cheer for farming and rural America from one of our own

by | Jun 1, 2016 | 5 Ag Stories, News

Listen Here Profit Matters 6-1-16

by Ken Root and Whitney Newman

Doug O’brien from Dubuque County who came of age in the Agricultural Depression of the 1980?s is now part of the Obama Administration focused on Rural Affairs. He has been working with USDA Rural Development for several years and now is Senior Policy Advisor.

He spoke to Farm Broadcasters during the April Meeting in Washington, D.C. He has a positive message about farming and encouragement for those who attempt to enter a challenging profession. O’brien says, ??My point of reference for farm policy is probably is the same as a lot of people in this room. I’m a kid from the farm crisis. I am from a farm that was almost lost to the bank. We had neighbors who attempted to suicide. That’s where I got my passion for public service. I knew I wanted to do Ag and rural policy.? O’brien goes on to explain ?I realized just how important agricultural is to rural communities, and in return how important rural communities are to the nation.? O’brien shares, ?Fundamentally good things are happening in agriculture and rural America that are absolutely exciting!?