Minnesota Farmers Union

(November 9, 2010) – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) is having their annual state convention Saturday, November 20 and Sunday, November 21 at the Ramada Plaza in Minneapolis.

“Farm policy is set by Minnesota Farmers Union members at our state convention and that policy matters because it is the agenda we set for the upcoming year about the farm programs that impact our rural economy and rural Minnesota,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. “When Farmers Union is working with legislators at the State Capitol, we are guided by this policy the members passed, as well as in Washington, D.C. So when topics like the farm bill are talked about, we are armed with our Farmers Union policy to ensure that what is included is best for Minnesota’s family farmers!”

There will be several speakers at the convention, including: Tom Davenport, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 Agricultural Advisor; Linda Hennen, State Executive Director of Farm Service Agency; Colleen Landkamer, State Director of USDA Rural Development; Don Baloun, State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Services; Katy Ziegler Thomas with Growth Energy; and Chandler Goule, National Farmers Union Vice President of Government Relations.

St. Paul (November 5, 2009) - Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) is having their annual state convention Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22 at the Ramada Plaza in Minneapolis.

"Every year since 1942, Farmers Union members have gathered to develop our state policy from ideas they bring to the table," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  "We then take that policy to the state and federal level and fight for the issues important to our members!  During policy debate this year, some of the issues I expect we will be discussing are health care, climate change, and fair pricing for livestock and grain production."

Along with policy discussion, there will be elections for both Farmers Union President and Vice President.  Doug Peterson, current MFU President, is running for re-election unopposed; and long-time MFU Vice President, Dennis Sjodin, has decided to not run for re-election.  There are four candidates for Vice President, and they are: Tim Henning of Adrian, Scott Hoese of Mayer, Tim Velde of Granite Falls, and Gary Wertish of Renville.

ST. PAUL (August 21, 2009) -Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) President Doug Peterson is announcing today that long time MFU Vice President, Dennis Sjodin, will not seek re-election as MFU Vice President at the 68^th annual MFU convention this November 20-22^nd in Minneapolis.

Sjodin has been with the organization since 1966.  In the 40 plus years Dennis has been with MFU he has played many different roles, including Field Representative, Director of Program Development, Head of the Green View Program in Minnesota, Director of the Joint MFU-NFO Livestock Marketing Program, and Assistant to the President under Cy Carpenter.  He was also acting president from April to August 1984, after Cy Carpenter took on his duties as National Farmers Union President, and before incoming President Willis Eken was finished with his duties as Majority Leader in the State House of Representatives.  He has been in his role of Vice President since 1996.