Minnesota Farmers Union

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Friday February 11^th, 2011

Lobby Day Complete

MFU President Doug Peterson thanks all of the MFU members who took time out of their busy schedules to join MFU at the Capitol Tuesday February 8^th for MFU Lobby day. We had a great turnout! MFU members had 40 different meetings with legislators, attended the House Agriculture Committee, and met with Governor Mark Dayton, SOS Mark Ritchie, and Attorney General Lori Swanson. MFU members talked about property taxes, the budget, health care, outdoor issues and many other issues. Checkout the MFU Facebook Page for pictures from the lobby day at: MFU Facebook Also, the Rochester TV Station KTTC did a great story that features Wabasha Co. MFU President Edwin Jostock, check it out here: http://www.kttc.com/Global/story.asp?S=13993503

Young MFU member featured

11 year old MFU member Jason Thormodson (son of John and Brenda Thormodson) was featured in Governor Dayton’s State of the State speech given on Wednesday.

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union

MFU testifies before Senate

MFU President Doug Peterson testified last week before the Senate Agriculture Committee on the make-up of MFU and MFU’s legislative priorities. Among the legislative priorities discussed; support for a strong agriculture budget, property taxes, energy and local foods.

AURI

The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) also testified last week before the House and Senate on the work they do for value-added agriculture. AURI has been involved in over 700 projects in Minnesota in the last 5 years, and adds $1.90 in outside investment for every dollar the state invests in AURI. Julie Bleyhl serves as the MFU member on the AURI board, to learn more check out: www.auri.org

Swheat Scoop on Animal Planet

During AURI’s testimony they also mentioned a product AURI assisted in the development of; Swheat Scoop which is now owned by Farmers Union Industries and operates out of Detroit Lakes will be featured on a show called “All about Cats” on March 5^th at 8:00 p.m. For more info on Swheat Scoop checkout: http://www.swheatscoop.com/about

Gov.

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Friday January 21, 2011

Legislative session progressing

MFU President Doug Peterson spent time at the Capitol this week meeting with key legislators including new House Ag Committee Chairman Rod Hamilton. In addition MFU is working their way through the list of legislators with meetings, and is also busy preparing for a great MFU lobby day on Feb. 8^th, so far we are getting a good response to those who can join us! Now if the weather cooperates!

Stray Voltage

Among the issues MFU discussed with Chairman Hamilton was the idea to hold part of a hearing on the issue of dairy cows and stray voltage. MFU has heard from a few members lately on this issue, and last week I met with some farmers in Stearns County to see first hand some of the issues. In addition, Rep. Bruce Anderson, an 8 term veteran of the legislature is serving his first stint on the Ag Committee and has stated that stray voltage is among the issues he is interested in.

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Friday Sept. 10^th, 2010

MFU members headed to D.C.

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Monday August 23, 2010

State Fair!

MFU President Doug Peterson is out at the Minnesota State Fair as I write this update putting the finishing touches on the MFU booth on Dan Patch Avenue! The Fair begins this Thursday August 26th and runs until Labor Day Monday September 6^th. Be sure to stop by the MFU booth to visit or buy a yardstick to lean on! And of course don't forget to get a cup of coffee from the best coffee place at the fair (or a mocha bar). Also, remember maybe the best part of the MFU booth, stop by the back patio to take a break or catch up with old friends.

Minnesota Cooks!

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Friday July 23, 2010

MFU President Doug Peterson letter to editor on GISPA rule

John F. Kennedy once said, "The farmer is the only man in our economy who buys everything at retail, sells everything at wholesale, and pays the freight both ways." The dinner tables of America need farmers to receive a fair price, and that is why Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) was pleased to hear that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a proposed rule change to the Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). 

The proposed rule would bring common sense to GIPSA and change the current system of how livestock are procured and marketed by meat packers. The rule includes several new provisions that will grant protection to producers from previous marketing barriers, which have favored the packers, with a goal of defining and changing unfair and unreasonable practices in the industry.

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Friday June 11, 2010

MFU President testifies before U.S. Senate Subcommittee

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Friday April 30, 2010

House, Senate pass Agriculture Policy bill

This past week the MN House passed HF 2737 the omnibus agriculture policy bill 127-3, the Senate passed their bill April 19th 66-0. The Senate has already appointed Sens. Skogen, Vickerman and Dille as conferees. The House will likely appoint their conferees on Monday. The bill includes many pieces of legislation MFU has worked on including bovine Tb, the corporate farm law, wind easements, 4-H, ethanol, priority for feed dealers in Farmer-Lender mediation, and the House bill also includes industrial hemp language. Members who have specific questions about the bill should contact me. Here is a link for more info: HF 2737

Tax bills moving

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Friday April 30, 2010

House, Senate pass Agriculture Policy bill

This past week the MN House passed HF 2737 the omnibus agriculture policy bill 127-3, the Senate passed their bill April 19^th 66-0.  The Senate has already appointed Sens. Skogen, Vickerman and Dille as conferees. The House will likely appoint their conferees on Monday. The bill includes many pieces of legislation MFU has worked on including bovine Tb, the corporate farm law, wind easements, 4-H, ethanol, priority for feed dealers in Farmer-Lender mediation, and the House bill also includes industrial hemp language. Members who have specific questions about the bill should contact me. Here is a link for more info: HF 2737

Tax bills moving

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Monday April 12, 2010

Spring Meetings underway

MFU President Doug Peterson invites members and friends to attend the annual MFU spring meetings April 12-15.  This is an opportunity for members, rural folk, or anyone, to come see how Minnesota Farmers Union works on the issues that impact our rural community and state and how MFU can make a difference for farmers and rural Minnesotans.  People are encouraged to come discuss their concerns.  MFU will be talking about where issues stand at the State Legislature, as well as on the federal level.  Grab a friend or neighbor and come join MFU.  Coffee is on us!

The dates, time and location of the meetings are as follows: