March 2023 Throughout February and early March, NFU was busy preparing for our annual convention. The convention was a success, with nearly 500 family farmers and ranchers and guests in attendance. Farmers Union delegates and members from across the country gathered to set NFU’s policy priorities for the year and heard from agricultural experts and … Read More
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) concluded their 121st Anniversary Convention held in San Francisco, California. With an agenda that was focused on the ability of NFU and Farmers Union members to create change, delegates and attendees heard from United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, keynote speaker Dr. Glenda Humiston, Speaker Emerita … Read More
SAN FRANCISCO – At the 121st Anniversary Convention of National Farmers Union (NFU), Luke Runyon of Greeley, Colorado was awarded the 2023 Milt Hakel Award for Excellence in Agricultural Journalism. Luke Runyon is a reporter covering the Colorado River Basin for public radio station KUNC. His investigations show how water issues can both unite and divide communities … Read More
SAN FRANCISCO – At the 121st Anniversary Convention of National Farmers Union (NFU), Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced a proposed rule regarding the voluntary “Product of USA” label for meat, poultry and egg products. NFU applauds this proposed rule which will close loopholes that allow meat from imported animals to be labeled as “Product of … Read More
SAN FRANCISCO – At the opening banquet of the 121st Anniversary Convention, National Farmers Union (NFU) presented Sarah Vogel of North Dakota and Doug Peterson of Minnesota with the 2023 Meritorious Service Awards, the highest honor presented by Farmers Union. Sarah Vogel was presented with the award for Meritorious Service to Farmers Union and to World … Read More
SAN FRANCISCO – National Farmers Union’s (NFU) 121st Anniversary Convention kicked off today in San Francisco, California where the programming is highlighting the ability of Farmers Union members to make change at the local, state, and federal level. “Our members are leading the way on farm policy from the local to federal level,” said NFU … Read More
WASHINGTON – Following a proposed rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Farmers Union (NFU) issued a statement in support of expanded access to E15 for consumers set to take place before the summer driving season next year. “We appreciate EPA’s efforts to increase the use of ethanol in this proposal. Expanded availability and adoption of … Read More
WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew today testified before the United States House Committee on Agriculture for a hearing titled “Uncertainty, Inflation, Regulations: Challenges for American Agriculture.” In his testimony, Larew addressed the themes of the hearing. On inflation: “Family farmers and ranchers are particularly vulnerable to the effects of inflation. Supply … Read More
WASHINGTON, February 22, 2023 – The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance today released policy recommendations for the 2023 farm bill. The farm bill is essential legislation that impacts every family in America and has enormous potential to help the food, agriculture and forestry sectors achieve their climate mitigation potential while preserving and creating new economic opportunities. Further … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) announced support for a petition to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce provisions in the Clean Air Act (CAA) that allow farmers and ranchers to repair their own equipment. “Farmers need the Right to Repair. We face all sorts of challenges, and the freedom to repair our … Read More
February 2023 With the new Congress getting down to business and the House and Senate Agriculture Committee rosters recently finalized, NFU is eager to work with lawmakers to pursue our Fairness for Farmers campaign. This effort will carry into the 2023 Farm bill, as NFU continues to fight for legislation that establishes greater fairness and … Read More
By Aaron Shier, NFU Government Relations Director Solar energy is the fastest-growing source of new electricity generation in the United States. Due to multiple factors, including declining costs of solar energy systems and major new federal investment and tax incentives, significantly more solar deployment is expected over the next several decades. Increased solar deployment creates … Read More
WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) will be hosting the College Conference on Cooperatives (CCOC) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from February 16 – 19. Over the course of this three-day conference, participants will hear from experts in the field of cooperatives, participate in interactive learning activities and workshops, and tour co-ops in the Twin Cities. The event … Read More
WASHINGTON – Today, Sens. Deb Fischer (R-IA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Jon Tester (D-MT), along with 18 other cosponsors, reintroduced the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, a bill that would bring greater fairness to the cattle sector. “Family farmers and ranchers need open and transparent cattle markets in order to receive … Read More
Following a productive two years on Capitol Hill, the 118th Congress was set to be sworn in shortly after noon on January 3. However, disagreement and dissent in Congress resulted in some initial delays. The Senate started business right on time. However, the House had a lengthy holdup due to a drawn-out debate and election … Read More
WASHINGTON, December 13, 2022 – After five years of outreach and education by farm groups, a new poll shows increased awareness and willingness to talk about the opioid crisis among rural adults, compared to 2017. Sixty percent say adults in their community are more aware of the crisis than they were five years ago, and … Read More
The end of an even-numbered year means it is a busy time on Capitol Hill, as the biennial “lame duck” session of Congress tries to wrap up legislative activities before newly elected lawmakers take office in January. NFU is making a push to get some Fairness for Farmers legislation (Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2022 [email protected] WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a decision to allow canola to be used as a feedstock for renewable diesel, which National Farmers Union (NFU) has advocated for. “This administration gets it – biofuels are good for the environment, good for the farmer’s bottom … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2022 [email protected] WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its 2021, 2022, and 2023 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) SET proposal. As proposed, the new standards raise volumes moving forward. A strong proponent of biofuels for their economic and environmental benefits, … Read More
November 30, 2022 [email protected] NFU Statement on House Action Regarding Rail Disputes WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement in response to House consideration of H.J. Res – 100 regarding rail disputes: “A disruption in rail access would have devastating impacts on agricultural supply chains across the … Read More
November 21, 2022 Contact: [email protected] Record corporate profits outpace farmer’s share of food dollar and lead to higher prices for consumers WASHINGTON – Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) released the 2022 Farmer’s Share of the food dollar for several items typically served for the Thanksgiving holiday. “Corporate profits and consumer food costs continue to … Read More
November 15, 2022 Contact: NFU: Ross Hettervig, [email protected] R-CALF USA: CEO Bill Bullard, Phone: 406-252-2516; [email protected] Nov. 15, 2022 – MINNEAPOLIS – Several large retailers and wholesalers (including Sysco, US Foods, Kroger, Hy-Vee, Albertson, Associated Grocers, Subway, SuperValu, and Cheney Brothers) recently filed claims similar to those brought originally in April 2019 by R-CALF … Read More
November 14, 2022 Contact: [email protected] WASHINGTON – This week, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew participated in the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP27) summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. In addition to serving as an official observer of the proceedings as a representative of the World Farmers Organization, Larew also joined the … Read More
Nearing the end of the 117th Congress, voters flocked to the polls to cast their ballots for the midterm elections earlier this month. This included all 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats, as well as a large slate of state and local races. Throughout the last month, with Congress largely out of town, NFU has … Read More
WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew released the following statement in response to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcing major investments in local and regional meat and poultry processing around the country. “For decades, consolidation in meat processing has put the squeeze on farmers, ranchers, and consumers while corporate monopolies rake in record … Read More