NFU Closes 2024 Convention, Outlines Policy Priorities and Special Orders of Business

March 12, 2024Press Releases

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

March 11, 2024Press Releases

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

March 11, 2024Press Releases

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

March 10, 2024Press Releases

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

March 10, 2024Press Releases

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

March 5, 2024Press Releases

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

NFU’s College Conference on Cooperatives Brings Cooperative Education to Next Generation of Leaders

February 23, 2024Press Releases

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

February 23, 2024Press Releases

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

February 22, 2024Press Releases

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

February 15, 2024Press Releases

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

February 13, 2024Press Releases

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

December 21, 2023Press Releases

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

December 15, 2023Press Releases

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

December 13, 2023Press Releases

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

November 21, 2023Press Releases

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 Releases 2023 Farmer’s Share of Thanksgiving Food Dollar

November 13, 2023Press Releases

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

November 8, 2023Press Releases

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

November 1, 2023Press Releases

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

Groups Call on NHTSA to Rethink Proposed CAFE Standards that Weaken Energy Security

October 16, 2023Press Releases

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

October 12, 2023Press Releases

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

NFU Stands in Strong Support of Right to Repair Bill

September 20, 2023Press Releases

WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement in support of the Agricultural Right to Repair Act introduced by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in the House of Representatives, along with co-leads Reps. Neguse, Slotkin, and Spanberger: “The introduction of the Agricultural Right to Repair Act is an important step in our fight to ensure farmers … Read More

Farmers Union Kicks Off 2023 Legislative Fly-In

September 11, 2023Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, 300 Farmers Union members from across the country joined together in Washington, DC to advocate for family farmers as part of the National Farmers Union (NFU) Fall Legislative Fly-In. Over the course of the week, Farmers Union members will attend hundreds of Congressional meetings and meet with fifteen federal agencies. “Our legislative fly-in … Read More