Todd Lackman - A Powerful Voice for Agriculture

Howdy! My name is Todd Lackman. I am an agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor for Huntley Project School. As a fourth-generation farmer, I also help on my family's irrigated sugar beet, barley, corn, canola, and alfalfa seed farm in Hysham. My experience with Farm Bureau started when I joined the Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers group at Montana State University. I became more involved after joining the Custer/Fallon Counties Farm Bureau and serving as their YF&R chair.

I had heard great things about ACE from previous class members, including my brother. I was encouraged to apply for ACE and decided to do so for this year. The focused leadership development offered by the program was something I wanted to grow my skills and better serve my community.

Participating in ACE has brought me a newfound knowledge of and appreciation for the history and impact of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation. I would like to take what I have learned from ACE training and promote the benefits of being a Farm Bureau member in my county. I attended the AFBF Annual Convention for the first time this past January to compete in the discussion meet. I had a great experience, and I want to encourage others to participate in the quality leadership and networking opportunities Farm Bureau provides.

Farm Bureau also serves as a powerful voice on critical issues for farmers and ranchers. Farming is said to be a simple life, but agriculture really is complex and unique in a way that can be difficult for those outside of agriculture to understand. I recently started a drone spraying business. While drone spraying and scouting technology is highly effective and useful, federal red tape makes it challenging to implement to its full capability. There is also a potential federal ban on the brand of drone that I and most American drone pilots use. Each of us involved in agriculture have our own issues we care about, and it is highly important to educate elected officials and consumers about our industry so we have the freedom to continue caring for our crops and animals using the best methods possible.

Through ACE training, I have gained valuable tools and practice for advocating for agriculture. I definitely recommend the experience for anyone looking to develop their leadership and communication skillset. I plan to use the techniques taught in ACE when I talk with elected representatives and non-ag audiences to communicate effectively with them what we do daily in agriculture.

We are fortunate to live in Montana and have such a great state Farm Bureau. Why not get involved and advocate for our way of life? It is up to us to continue the strong tradition of agriculture.