Minnesota Farmers Union

ST. PAUL (July 29, 2009) - The 28th annual Farmfest will be held August 4-6 at the Gilfillan Estate in Redwood County, Minnesota and both Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) and National Farmers Union (NFU) will be represented.

New NFU President Roger Johnson will be in attendance Tuesday, August 4 and in the morning of Wednesday, August 5 and will be on a panel titled, "Climate change. Challenges and opportunities for agriculture," at 1:15 on Tuesday, August 4. MFU President Doug Peterson will be on a panel on Wednesday, August 5 at 10:30 titled, "The Minnesota ag industry. Where are we at and where are we going?"

"The proximity of our Farmers Union booth just west of the forum tent gives members and farmers a great place to come by and discuss what they heard from the speakers, and to talk about rural issues," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. "NFU President Roger Johnson will be at the booth to discuss the importance of agriculture in the climate change debate and to talk to farmers about what's on their mind. Be sure to stop by our booth, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of water and say hello."

Congressman Tim Walz is scheduled to be at the MFU booth at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4.

On Wednesday, August 5 at 1, MFU will be participating in the 3rd annual buffalo chip throwing contest at the Outdoor Sports and Conservation Pavilion inside entrance two on the south side of the Farmfest grounds. Our three person team will consist of MFU President Doug Peterson, MFU Director of Government Relations Thom Petersen, and MFU Communications Director Katie Pass.

MFU is a proud sponsor of the first annual women's breakfast this year on Thursday, August 6 at 9 a.m. at Jackpot Junction in the Prairie Winds room. This event will feature a sit-down breakfast and the speakers include: Carol Molanu, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor; Colleen Landkamer, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director; and Linda Hennen, State Farm Service Agency Director. The cost is $20 at the door, which includes a complimentary ticket to Farmfest. This event is open to all women and provides an opportunity to network, socialize and enjoy the company of fellow women in agriculture.

Farmer Union Insurance will once again be sponsoring the daily youth Pedal Pull Contest, at 1 p.m. near entrance gate number 2.

For more information on Farmfest, go to www.farmshows.com/ffst/index.po.