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Convention to Feature Ag Leaders Peterson, Schafer and
DeLauro
Changing the Landscape for Rural America
"Both Peterson and DeLauro have been instrumental in
passing legislation that will benefit family farmers, ranchers
and consumers. While new to Washington, Schafer is no stranger
to agriculture, having served as North Dakota governor," NFU
President Tom Buis said.
TODAY is the deadline to register for the
convention. Register online now for this
can't miss event!
Additional Las Vegas Information:
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NFU Poll of the Week
Who are you most excited to hear speak
at our convention - Peterson, Schafer, DeLauro or one of
our other exciting speakers or panelists?
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Farm Bill Update
After
Weeks of Deadlock, Negotiations Begin
 After a week of
challenging negotiations, leaders of the House and Senate
Agriculture Committees agreed Feb. 14 to reach a concensus on
farm bill spending by Sunday, Feb. 17. If this is
accomplished, the President could sign a farm bill before the
March 15 deadline.
Unfortunately, the proposal's $6 billion over the budget
baseline is not enough to address the challenges in rural
America. NFU joined a broad coalition of organizations Feb. 14
in a
letter to House and Senate committee leadership,
urging the committees find the necessary funding to write a
good bill.
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Minnesota Farmers
Union Visits Washington, D.C.
MFU
Members Meet with Members of Congress
 Minnesota Farmers Union was in
Washington, D.C., Monday, Feb. 11 - 13. MFU members John
Thormodson, Madelia; John Larsen, Mantorville; Ryan Wolf,
LeSueur; MFU Legislative Director Thom Petersen and
President Doug Peterson participated in the
fly-in.
"This trip to Washington, D.C. was well-timed. We were
there to provide our input while the action was happening and
decisions were being made, which made it really interesting,"
said Ryan Wolf.
MFU was also able to facilitate a meeting for John
Thormodson with the Deputy Chief of the Natural
Resources Conservation Service to discuss
regulations and guidelines that impact land ownership in Brown
and Watonwan counties.
Photo (left to right): John Thormodson, John Larsen,
Ryan Wolf, Doug
Peterson. |
Members' Corner: NFU Policy Committee
Members
Members Draft Policy to
be Voted on at Our Convention
 This week we're
doing something a little different, we've profiled the members
of this year's Policy Committee. The policy committee,
consisting of members from across the country, met in
Washington, D.C., Jan 7 - 9 to consider changes and amendments
to the
policy. The committee will reconvene at convention March 2 - 4 to make final
2008 policy decisions. Their recommendations will be voted on
by delegates to the convention before being
adopted.
Photo (left to right): Linda Ceylor, Curt Martin,
Kristine Hondo, Roger Wise, Gretel Norgeot, Kimon Kotos, Susan
Frazier, Karen Olson, Eunice Biel, Jim Campbell, Roger
Zetocha. Curtis Temple (not pictured).
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2008 Convention
Countdown - National Youth Advisory
Council
Meet Tirzah Lily, Lily, S.D.
Leading up to the National Farmers Union
Convention in Las Vegas, we will be counting down the weeks by
introducing the eight members of the NFU
National Youth Advisory Council. The NYAC members
will be serving as pages at the convention. Check back next
week for our next profile!
 Tirzah Lily is a
freshman studying English and Business at Oklahoma Wesleyan University in
Bartlesville, Okla. She is involved with church groups,
intramurals and various campus activities.
During the South
Dakota Farmers Union Convention over the weekend,
Tirzah received her Torchbearer Award, the highest recognition
bestowed on a Farmers Union youth.
"Farmers Union means so much to me," Tirzah said. "Not
only has this organization provided me with many leadership
opportunities and lifelong friends, but Farmers Union has also
given me the experience, confidence and knowledge that will
continue to impact me for years to come. Being elected to the
NYAC is one of the greatest moments in my life. Serving the
Farmers Union organization and my fellow youth on a national
level even tops that. I cannot wait to see what is in store
for the National Convention and the 2008 All
States Leadership
Camp." |
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NFU Summer
Internship Deadline is This Friday, Feb.
22
Apply on Our Website Today!
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| State News
 Minnesota: Minnesota Farmers Union President
Doug Peterson was honored recently by the Food
Alliance Midwest (FAM) with the Partnership
Achievement Award for his foresight in promoting local
foods.
"Doug Peterson came to Food Alliance Midwest with an idea
to create an event at the Minnesota State Fair that would
bring together progressive chefs, Minnesota farmers and
consumers to talk about the importance of supporting local
farmers," said Jim
Ennis, Food Alliance Midwest Director. "Initially I
was skeptical of the idea, but Doug convinced me he could work
out the logistics with the State Fair. Minnesota Farmers
Union, with Doug's leadership and creativity, has proved to be
a tremendous partner. We truly have been able to do more
together through the Minnesota Cooks program, than either of
us could have accomplished on our own."
"It is a great honor to receive the 'Partnership
Achievement Award'," said Peterson. "The partnership Minnesota
Farmers Union has with Food Alliance Midwest has been a
rewarding one, especially in the regards of promoting the
connection between consumers and farmers and the importance of
Minnesota grown foods. I look forward to continuing to work
with Food Alliance Midwest in supporting family farmers,
producers and local economies."
Minnesota Farmers Union and Food Alliance Midwest have
put together the Minnesota Cooks program at Carousel
Park at the Minnesota State Fair for the last five years. They
will also present a Minnesota Cooks program at the Twin
Cities Food and Wine Experience February 23 - 24,
2008.
Montana: Montana
Farmers Union will be holding a workshop entitled
"What Women Need to Know About Financial Planning." The free
event will be held Tuesday, Feb. 26 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in
Fort Benton at the Grand Union Hotel - light refreshments will
be served.
Amy Strom, Financial Consultant with RBC
Dain Rauscher in Great Falls, will be leading the
event. The workshop will focus on the specific financial
planning and investment needs and concerns of women.
Particular attention will be paid to the special circumstances
of farm and ranch families.
For more information or to RSVP please contact MTFU at
(406)452-6406 or (800)234-4071.
Have NFU news you want to share? Send
any info about meetings, conventions, state fairs, individual
members' success, state government news, or anything else
relevant to NFU and its members to Amber
Birtcher. |
Farmer's Share
of Retail Food
Dollar
January 2008
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Farm Price
Barometer
January 2008
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