Minnesota Farmers Union

ST. PAUL (August 22, 2012) – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) always has great treats to offer no matter what the weather.  Come get some of our delicious coffee on those cold and rainy days, or a frozen chai or mocha bar on those hot days.  Also, we have a new treat to offer – the “Union,” a raspberry and mocha mixed frappe.  YUM!  Come see us at 1635 Dan Patch Avenue, where you can enjoy a tastey treat and rest your weary feet.

MFU activities at the Fair:

ST. PAUL, MN (July 31, 2012) – Now in its tenth year, the Minnesota Cooks^TM program (www.minnesotacooks.org) at the State Fair brings together those who value and support our sustainable food system: farmers, consumers, and chefs. Onstage, chefs will create amazing dishes using fresh ingredients supplied by local stewards of the land. As they prepare their creations, emcees Mary Lahammer of Twin Cities Public Television and JD Fratzke of The Strip Club Meat & Fish will engage the chefs and a taster panel of farmers and local celebrities in lively and meaningful discussions about their sustainable philosophies. At the end of each demonstration, the panel, as well as fairgoers, will sample the mouthwatering, farm-fresh fare.

The program begins at 9:00 a.m. with culinary demonstrations by Le Cordon Bleu students and live music from Noah Hoehn, live looping musician. There will be six hourly presentations by Minnesota’s premier chefs and cooks, beginning at 10:00 a.m. All shows take place on the Minnesota Cooks Stage in Carousel Park, just south of the Grandstand.   

ST.PAUL (September 1, 2011) - National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson will be in Minnesota for Minnesota Farmers Union’s (MFU) farm bill policy meeting held on Friday, September 2. Prior to attending the meeting NFU President Roger Johnson will be attending the Minnesota State Fair and visiting the MFU building.

“NFU President Roger Johnson is key to farm bill discussion and Farmers Union policy will be front and center as the farm bill is developed for 2012,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.

NFU President Johnson will be available to the media while at the State Fair between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m at the MFU building. We are located at 1635 Dan Patch Avenue, just west of the Snelling Avenue gates. For other times please call Hannah Taylor at 651-468-6406.

Minnesota Farmers Union (www.mfu.org) is a nonprofit membership-based organization working to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers, as well as rural communities.

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ST. PAUL (September 9, 2010) - Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) honored Paul Johnson, son of Richard and Linda Johnson of La Crescent, for placing 7^th at the second annual dairy showcase at the State Fair.  Twenty-five youth were recognized for their achievements.  Paul received $725 for his 7^th place finish; MFU was a major contributor.

In order to be eligible, State Fair 4-H dairy exhibitors who received a blue or purple ribbon in their class could apply for the Showcase. The youths were scored on each person's project leadership, dairy-related activities, community involvement, and bonus points were given for receiving champion and reserve champion honors.

"Congratulations to Paul on his high finish at the dairy showcase," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. "Considering this is only the second year of the showcase, the participants will have a hard act to follow with the high standards Paul set.  His accomplishments were impressive, and we wish him luck in the future."

ST. PAUL (September 8, 2010) - Rebekkah Berven of Chippewa County sold her middleweight black face market lamb to major contributor Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) at the 31st annual Purple Ribbon Auction at the State Fair. (Rebekkah's lamb was purchased for $1,750).

"Congratulations to Rebekkah. It takes a lot of hard work and perseverance to reach the 4-H State Fair ribbon sale, and Rebekkah did it very well," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. "4-H programs are great to be involved with, they teach young adults responsibility and leadership, which is right in line with Minnesota Farmers Union policy and why MFU is proud to be a part of this program."

The 4-H exhibitors receive the slaughter value of the animals from the commercial marketing channels following the auction, plus the net premium bid in the auction.

ST. PAUL (September 7, 2010) - Nick Delaney of Lincoln County sold his Champion Hereford to Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU), Farmers Union Agency, and Farmers Union Industries at the 31st annual Purple Ribbon Auction at the State Fair. (Nick's Hereford was purchased for $7,000).

"Congratulations to Nick, it takes a lot of work and dedication to raise a champion animal, and it is great that his hard work has been rewarded with the sale of his Champion Hereford," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. "4-H programs are great to be involved with, they teach kids responsibility and leadership, and Minnesota Farmers Union, Farmers Union Agency and Farmers Union Industries are proud to be a part of this program."

The 4-H exhibitors receive the slaughter value of the animals from the commercial marketing channels following the auction, plus the net premium bid in the auction.

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Now in its eighth year, the Minnesota Cooks^TM program (www.minnesotacooks.net) at the State Fair is poised again to host a celebration about the relationships between premier Minnesota chefs and cooks, local farmers, and consumers with a full day of demonstrations, discussions, and sampling of delicious, sustainable cuisine. The program will begin at 9:00 AM and will continue with eight hourly presentations. All shows take place on the Minnesota Cooks Stage in Carousel Park, just south of the Grandstand.

Minnesota Cooks brings together those who value and support our sustainable food system: farmers, consumers, and chefs. Onstage, these chefs will create amazing dishes using fresh ingredients supplied by local stewards of the land. As they prepare their creations, emcees JD Fratzke of The Strip Club Meat & Fish and Lori Sturdevant of the Star Tribune will engage the chefs and a taster panel of farmers and local celebrities in lively and meaningful discussions about their sustainable philosophies. At the end of each demonstration, the panel, as well as fairgoers, will sample the mouthwatering, farm fresh fare.

ST. PAUL (August 24, 2010) - The great Minnesota get together brings consumers and farmers together.  Stop by the Minnesota Farmers Union booth at 1635 Dan Patch Avenue where our famous mocha bars and hot coffee will be in demand the 12 days of the Fair.

"Join us on the Farmers Union back patio, reported to be one of the more relaxing places to grab a cup of coffee at the State Fair according to Fairgoers and bloggers who have discovered the spot," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. "Be sure to grab some frozen coffee on a stick to get your energy levels high, or a yard stick to lean on as you walk around the Fair before you leave the Farmers Union booth.  See you there."

ST. PAUL (August 26, 2009) - Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) will host its annual "open mic" on Saturday August 29th at the MFU booth (1635 Dan Patch Avenue) at the State Fair beginning at 1:00 p.m.  MFU has Governor candidates from both sides confirmed as coming at 1 p.m.; and at 1:30 p.m., federal and local elected officials will be coming to speak, including Senator Amy Klobuchar.

"This is a great opportunity for fairgoers to hear what the candidates have to say about rural issues.  It also gives people an opportunity to talk to the candidates one-on-one, and ask the questions they find important," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  "Come by and see what they have to say, and while you are there pick up some free seeds on a stick or a $3 yard stick, or grab a mocha bar and head back to our patio and enjoy the day."