Family farmers are among the most innovative and inspiring people I know. Let me introduce you to one of them…

Craig Watts is a contract poultry grower in North Carolina. He raises chickens for a company that can terminate his contract at any time, for any reason, without notice. Companies like these have so much power they can prevent laws from being passed that would level the playing field for farmers. They can keep farmers like Craig in limbo, in debt, and in fear that they could lose their livelihood at any time.

But Craig won’t be silenced. He feels so strongly that the system needs to be changed that he speaks out as often as he can, including on the Farm Aid 2014 stage and in an article in today’s New York Times. Craig’s courage inspires me, and reminds me how crucial Farm Aid’s work is every day.

Craig said, “Farmers need and appreciate events like Farm Aid that give us the opportunity to reach so many people. I hope and pray with Farm Aid we can make major strides in taking back control of our farms. This is an issue that touches all people.”

With your support, family farmers can fight… to stay on their land, to grow good food for all of us, to raise a new generation of farmers to take care of our soil and water.

Let family farmers know that they are not alone. Let them know they are valued, and they are needed. Thank you for standing up for family farmers. I’m glad I can count on you.

Stay Strong and Positive,

Willie Nelson