04/04/05 W.O.L.F., its all about Congress

Wayne Hurst of Burley spent some time in Washington recently talking to members of the Idaho congressional delegation. Hurst is a vice president of the Idaho Grain Producers Association who is also involved with WOLF, the Wheat Organization Leaders of the Future. The National Association of Wheat Growers conducted the training in a 'game' format where Hurst and others pretended to be US Congressmen. HURST "We had all of these issues come up. There were polls taken and we have concerns back home of our constituents and we had to worry about staff. That exercise helped us see through a congressman's eyes. You passed the exercise if you were re-elected at the end." Through involvement in WOLF participants will build upon their leadership skills, gain a better understanding of the mechanics of the lobbying process, participate in media training and increase their knowledge. Hurst may have used some of his new skills when he lobbied in favor of Senator Larry Craig's AG Jobs bill. HURST "We want secure and safe borders like everyone else. Its very important to us. But we also need to be able to get the workers who work on the farms that we need. We want to be able to do that legally." Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott