Rural regions in America want to be heard in the 2024 elections

July 21, 2024

(MADISON, Wisconsin) – As the 2024 election heats up and politicians vie for Americans’ votes, one important group feels forgotten.

According to Wisconsin farmers Katie and Grant Grinstead, rural America, where many agricultural and manufacturing workers live, is still figuring out what political message resonates with them.

“I haven’t heard it yet,” Grant told ABC News. “All the politicians know how to reach us. And our phone isn’t ringing. They want to understand our views and what we’re dealing with – they want to get in touch with us.”

Katie and Grant are fourth-generation dairy producers and part of a long and proud tradition in American dairy farming. Wisconsin’s dairy industry produces over 25 million gallons annually and contributes $46 billion to the state’s economy.

They are fighting for survival as the dairy production industry continues to shrink. The economics of milk production are no longer attractive for small producers like the Grinsteads.

“If you look back over the last 30 years, we saw similar prices in the ’90s to what we see today,” Grant said. “In 2024, the challenge is that everything else around us has gone up in price.”

The Grinsteads have never been so concerned about an election and more politically involved, the couple told ABC News.

While Grant is concerned about the future of their farm and their livelihood, he also worries about the security of the country’s border. He says America was built on immigration and Americans need to understand that people want to come here. Grant wants the right people in office to show immigrants how to become American citizens.

According to the Migration Policy Institute, 28 percent of agricultural workers and about a third of hospitality workers in the United States are immigrants.

“There are so many industries in the United States that rely on migrant workers,” Katie said. “They’re burying their heads in the sand because they know we need them. But they’re not willing to stand up for it and take the initiative. Because it’s so controversial.”

For the Grinsteads, politics is a priority, and they sometimes split their votes, but now more than ever they need politicians who support rural America.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, only 1.2% of the population are farmers, yet this small percentage is responsible for feeding the world – they believe they are sometimes forgotten. They are desperately trying to get the attention of politicians to advocate for policies that will improve their lives.

If lawmakers continue to ignore their concerns, Grant suggests drastic measures.

“Maybe we should stop preparing food,” Grant said. “Would that attract attention?”