WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the United States Senate passed a bipartisan Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution authored by U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) that would reinstate a long-standing ban on beef imports from Paraguay. The ban, which was lifted in November of 2023, was in place due to concerns about foot and mouth … Read More
Press Releases
NFU Statement on EPA Tailpipe Emissions Standards
WASHINGTON – Following the 2027-2032 tailpipe emissions standards released today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued a statement addressing the need for immediate reductions to greenhouse gases and the role that ethanol can play in those reductions: “We share EPA’s mission to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but today’s finalized tailpipe emissions … Read More
NFU Closes 2024 Convention, Outlines Policy Priorities and Special Orders of Business
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – National Farmers Union (NFU) closed its 2024 Convention by adopting the organization’s grassroots policy book, laying the foundation for advocating on behalf of family farmers and ranchers across the country. Convention delegates also adopted six special orders of business focused on issues of particular importance in the coming year. “With a projected decline … Read More
Rob Larew and Jeff Kippley Re-Elected as NFU President and Vice President
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Delegates to National Farmers Union’s 122nd Anniversary Convention today cast a unanimous ballot to reelect Rob Larew and Jeff Kippley as the organization’s President and Vice President, respectively. Each will serve another two-year term. “It’s an honor to have the trust and confidence of Farmers Union members across the country and a … Read More
NFU Presents Bill Zortman of KELO-AM with Milt Hakel Award for Excellence in Agricultural Journalism
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – At National Farmers Union’s (NFU) 122nd Anniversary Convention, the organization awarded Bill Zortman of radio station KELO-AM, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the 2024 Milt Hakel Award for Excellence in Agricultural Journalism. Zortman is the host of It’s Your Business, covering business issues for the Sioux Falls community with a strong focus on … Read More
NFU Awards Highest Honor to Leaders from Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin at 122nd Anniversary Convention
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – At the opening banquet of the 122nd Anniversary Convention, National Farmers Union (NFU) presented Rodney Allebach of Minnesota, Linda Jones Borton of Ohio and Dennis Rosen of Wisconsin with Awards for Meritorious Service to Farmers Union and to American Agriculture, the highest honor presented by Farmers Union. “The 2024 class of Meritorious … Read More
NFU Kicks Off 122nd Anniversary Convention Highlighting Importance of Democratic Institutions and Grassroots Advocacy
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – National Farmers Union (NFU) today kicked off its 122nd Anniversary Convention, where programming will focus on the importance of strong democratic institutions, both within Farmers Union and across the country. “In an era where public trust in institutions is waning, it’s crucial for Farmers Union to reinforce our governance principles and the … Read More
NFU Welcomes Further Packers and Stockyards Act Rulemakings from USDA
WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued its second final rule in a series of updates to revitalize the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act). Today’s rule establishes clearer standards for prohibited practices under the P&S Act, including discrimination, retaliation and deception in contracting. “Family farmers and ranchers deserve the right … Read More
Larew Appointed to White House Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations
WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew was appointed by President Biden to the White House Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations (ACTPN). “I am deeply honored to represent family farmers and give them a seat at the table during important trade negotiations,” said Larew. “I would like to thank President … Read More
NFU’s College Conference on Cooperatives Brings Cooperative Education to Next Generation of Leaders
WASHINGTON –National Farmers Union (NFU) hosted 76 students and educators in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last weekend for its annual College Conference on Cooperatives (CCOC). The three-day conference provides an interactive learning experience for American agriculture’s next generation on the importance, structure, and operations of various types of cooperative groups. “Cooperatives have long played a vital role … Read More
E15 Expansion Good News for Farmers, Consumers, Environment
WASHINGTON – Following a petition from eight Governors requesting year-round sales of higher blends of ethanol, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the approval of year-round E15, in those states, beginning in 2025. “While this announcement should have come much earlier, year-round E15 is great news for farmers and consumers alike,” said NFU President … Read More
Farmers Ask for Stability in Milk Prices
The American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union sent a letter today requesting that USDA bring stability to Class I milk prices. The letter, sent jointly by AFBF President Zippy Duvall and NFU President Rob Larew, asks Secretary Tom Vilsack to issue an interim final decision to return the Class I mover formula to … Read More
NFU Announces Featured Speakers and Events for 122nd Anniversary Convention in Scottsdale
WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) will host the organization’s 122nd Anniversary Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona, from March 10 through March 12. The NFU Convention is the annual opportunity for Farmers Union members from across the country to set the organization’s grassroots policy priorities for the coming year, informed by the elected officials and policy … Read More
NFU Leads Letter to Congress: Uphold Packers and Stockyards Act Progress
WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) sent a letter to Appropriations Committee leadership opposing harmful restrictions that would undo important work to revitalize the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act) to better protect family farmers and ranchers. The letter, signed by national, regional, and state organizations, points out that “opponents of competitive agricultural markets … Read More
With USDA Progress on Packers and Stockyards Rulemakings, 2023 a Productive Year for Competition in Agriculture
WASHINGTON – This week, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) made key procedural moves on several Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA) rulemakings by submitting them to the Office of Management and Budget for review. Additionally, this week, the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department jointly issued the 2023 Merger Guidelines, signaling more scrutiny … Read More
NFU Supportive of Treasury Guidance on Sustainable Aviation Fuel
WASHINGTON – Following the release of guidance on the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) credit from the Department of Treasury, NFU President Rob Larew issued a statement supporting the move. “Today’s guidance on Sustainable Aviation Fuel is great news for family farmers and the climate. I’d like to thank the Biden-Administration for identifying additional avenues to support the biofuels economy … Read More
NFU Co-Leads Letter to President Biden Commending Historic Competition Advances; Asks for Swift Completion of Packers & Stockyards Act Rulemakings
Today 62 organizations sent a letter to President Biden expressing concern “that the pace of USDA’s progress on its [Packers and Stockyards] Act rulemakings could put them in jeopardy.” President Biden’s historic executive order on competition (EO) directed USDA to revitalize the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act by issuing new rules to strengthen it. The P&S Act, a … Read More
Jablonsky Rejoins NFU as Chief of Staff
WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) is pleased to announce the selection of Brittany Jablonsky as Chief of Staff. Jablonsky, who previously held various roles within NFU, is set to bring her wealth of experience and expertise back to the organization. She joins NFU from the Farm Credit Council, where she most recently served as … Read More
NFU Encouraged by Farm Bill Extension, Urges Timely Passage of Five-Year Bill
WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement regarding the one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill recently passed by Congress: “NFU is encouraged by the strong bipartisan support for an extension of the 2018 Farm Bill. Now we urge Congress to channel that success toward getting a new farm bill done … Read More
NFU Releases 2023 Farmer’s Share of Thanksgiving Food Dollar
WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) released the updated Farmer’s Share of the food dollar for items typically served during the Thanksgiving holiday. These figures reflect how much family farmers earn compared to the amount consumers pay at the grocery store. As consumers empty their carts onto the checkout lines at their local grocery … Read More
NFU Statement on Finalized USDA Poultry Transparency Rule
WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement in support of the finalized “Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments” rule from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Packers & Stockyards Act (P&S Act): “For far too long, monopolies across agriculture have put the squeeze on … Read More
NFU Welcomes Biden Administration Landmark Investments in Rural America
WASHINGTON – Today, President Biden visited Minnesota Farmers Union member Dutch Creek Farms in Northfield, MN, to announce $5 billion in investments in rural communities, ranging from rural infrastructure, economic development, sustainability, and climate-smart agricultural practices. “Today’s announced investments in Rural America is more hard evidence the Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to our communities,” said NFU President … Read More
FACA Commends USDA’s Progress on Growing Climate Solutions Act Implementation
WASHINGTON, October 23, 2023 – The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) is encouraged by the release of USDA’s General Assessment of the Role of Agriculture and Forestry in the U.S. Carbon Markets. The release of this report marks the first step in USDA’s implementation of the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act, which was included in … Read More
Groups Call on NHTSA to Rethink Proposed CAFE Standards that Weaken Energy Security
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s proposed new fuel economy standards “greatly missed the intent” of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy program to enhance energy security, according to technical comments filed today by the Renewable Fuels Association, National Farmers Union and National Corn Growers Association. The proposal, they assert, will lead to an overreliance on foreign critical … Read More
NFU Convenes 2023 Beginning Farmer Institute
DES MOINES, IOWA – On Friday, October 6th and Saturday, October 7th, National Farmers Union (NFU) convened the in-person programming for the Beginning Farmer Institute (BFI) in Des Moines, Iowa. On Friday, October 6th, participants engaged in farm business trainings, starting with a session on credit and business planning with Farm Credit Council’s Gary Matteson, … Read More