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
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
This opinion piece originally ran on Agri-Pulse on March 1st, 2024. By: Jeff Kippley, Vice President, National Farmers Union The recent opinion piece by the President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) on USDA efforts to bring fair rules to livestock markets was not just inaccurate but also dangerously misleading. As a cattle producer … Read More
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
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
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
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
I am an undergraduate college student, who like many of my peers, had heard of cooperatives in a general agricultural setting, but did not know much about how they work. I had a general interest in the idea of a cooperative and working together, but I did not understand the logistics of a board of … Read More
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
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
January/February 2024 The calendar has flipped over following a productive year for competition in agriculture in 2023. The previous year featured major Fairness for Farmers priorities sharing time in the spotlight, including efforts to strengthen the Packers and Stockyards Act, Right to Repair, and legislation resembling a farm bill competition title. NFU intends to carry … Read More
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
2024 PREVIEW: PRIORITIES FOR FARMERS UNION The 2023 calendar year is ending without a new farm bill, after being extended until September 30, 2024. Last month’s extension came on the heels of a tumultuous year on Capitol Hill. The main events of the 118th Congress to date have been a historic speaker election that lasted … Read More
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
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
November 2023 November arrived in full force inside the beltway. At this time of year, theatrics in Washington feature sporadic chilly days, fallen orange foliage and empty tree branches, and dark skies by 5 p.m. These were all once again on full display but were relegated to a supporting cast, as this November featured a … Read More
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
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
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
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
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
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
October 2023 October is sometimes a quiet month on Capitol Hill, as Congress usually leaves town for a 2-3 week district work period. While the Senate conformed to this tradition, the House has remained in DC since early September, and it has been tumultuous time on that side of the Hill. The House has been … Read More
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
Co-ops are often central pieces in their communities, especially in rural areas. But a healthy co-op community can only form when members fully understand the basic structures of the co-op, the purpose, and how they themselves can benefit. Let’s explore some key information to provide your members to strengthen your co-op. 1. Inclusivity Co-ops often … Read More