Cindy Ledbetter

Economy

The next issue is protecting small farms. The small, independent farmer is increasingly losing out to big-brand agribusiness. The larger farming operations set the prices and small farmers are unable to compete with these operations for contracts. Regenerative agriculture, local co-ops, and community support may not be enough to sustain local farmers. Without the traditional cycles of employment and production that small farms foster, rural communities are falling apart. It is imperative that we protect our small farmers. We must work to enact policies that restore a fair market and investment to revitalize rural communities. Learn more

Lastly, the agriculture industry must focus on innovation in response to rising costs. Commitment to fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems is needed to propel new advancements, help to start and scale businesses, and to bring on future innovators. Innovation and diversification in agronomic practices can help producers to reduce their operating costs to ensure a higher return on their agricultural enterprise. Learn more

Cindy will continue to work to ensure that legislation is of benefit to the advancement of our farming industry as well as our rural communities. She will work to ensure drainage legislation is addressed and property rights are protected. Learn more

Government Reform

A second issue that farmers need to remain proactive on is property rights and annexation of land. Landowners must have a voice. Considerations regarding the productivity of farmland and the impact on existing uses of land in the area should be included in decisions about standards set at the local level. Whether it is renewable energy, livestock expansion or customary farming practices, property owners should have the authority to decide what activities take place on the land they own. It is also necessary to make sure that annexations are handled in a manner that is fair to the landowners and not just the municipality. It is important that landowners have a say in determining the long-term impact on their property, in who can tax and zone that property. Learn more

Guns

Cindy is a strong believer in the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. She does not believe that restrictive gun laws are the answer to curbing violent crime in America. Such measures only prevent law-abiding citizens from protecting themselves because criminals, by definition, do not follow the law. Learn more

Healthcare

Cindy believes we must combat the culture of violence in society, and address the underlying mental health issues that contribute to this violence. While much of legislation to curb gun violence has been inherently reactive; mental health efforts are proactive and must be part of planning when addressing school and public safety policy. Learn more