As a third-generation rancher deeply involved in water resource issues, I feel I must push back against groups like the American Farm Bureau Federation making misleading statements against the new Clean Water Act ruling. Given the importance of clean, reliable water resources for agriculture and rural America, I want to make it clear that these lobbyists do not speak for me or countless other ranchers like me who require secure, clean water resources.

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That's why I and other ranchers and farmers across the U.S. are profoundly disappointed by the news that a DC-based group billing itself as the “voice of agriculture” is disingenuously attacking the clean water ruling. The Farm Bureau does not speak for me. Nor does it speak for a large chunk of ranchers, farmers and rural Americans, who recognize the need for the balanced water policy set forth by EPA’s new rule.

The new clean water rule would bring safer drinking water to rural America, where about a third of our rivers, streams and wetlands are too polluted for drinking, or even swimming and fishing. This poses serious health concerns for millions of Americans. The clean water rule also promises to make life easier on the farm, by way of simpler and more relevant water policies, which have been marred in recent years by Supreme Court politics.

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Based on style and substance, it's obvious that the folks behind the disingenuous, misleading clean water attacks are more practiced at talking with reporters and working the hallways of Congress than harvesting crops, mending fences or using our waterways. If reporters want to get the real scoop on what the new clean water ruling means for agriculture, they should get out into rural America and talk with the ranchers, farmers and local decision makers there.