Minnesota Farmers Union

St. Paul (June 28, 2011) – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) and Farmers Union Agency are having their 4th annual golf benefit for Lake Sarah youth camp on Thursday, July 28 at the Sandhill Golf Course in Fertile, Minnesota.

“Minnesota Farmers Union has a wonderful leadership camp on Lake Sarah in Erskine where youth develop self esteem, team building and leadership skills in a healthy camp setting. We are pleased to announce our annual golf benefit to support agriculture education,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  “Lake Sarah is also used for campsites throughout the summer and all who use this beautiful facility appreciate the support and generosity of the contributors who help continue this tradition.” 

Start time for the golf benefit is 1:30 p.m. and costs $35 for nine holes and $45 for eighteen holes, which includes a buffet supper at the Sandhill Supper Club in Fertile. Non-golfers can purchase dinner for $15. A variety of prizes will be awarded during dinner. 

If you are interested in golfing; sponsoring a hole; or donating a prize to the golf benefit, or to the Lake Sarah campaign fund, please contact Ken Pazdernik at 218-206-4499, or pazdernik@loretel.net.  All donations are tax deductible. The Sandhill Golf Course is located at 44203 State Highway 32 SW in Fertile.

ST. PAUL (February 11, 2011) - On Tuesday, February 8, Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members were at the state Capitol and visited with Governor Mark Dayton, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, Attorney General Lori Swanson and their local senators and representatives. MFU members also sat in a hearing on the Green Acres program. 

“Our day at the Capitol was very successful, MFU members had the opportunity to tell their legislators what is really going on in rural Minnesota,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. “Our members also spoke with Governor Mark Dayton and asked questions about his agriculture policies. It was very refreshing to be able to meet with a Governor that listens to and understands agriculture policy.” 

ST. PAUL (January 4, 2011) - With grassroots input from its farmer-membership, Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) has set priorities for the 2011 legislative session. 

“This legislative session will be about the state’s budget shortfalls and how we improve the economy and create jobs,” said Doug Peterson, MFU President.  “MFU will be at the table when proposed cuts are being discussed to address the over $6 billion budget deficit, and will work with the Dayton Administration and legislators on addressing property tax concerns, promoting local foods, and energy legislation, and ensuring that the needs of rural Minnesotans and the farming sector are addressed.” 

Agriculture makes up a very small part of the state’s budget, yet somewhere between 20-30% of the jobs and wealth in Minnesota are agriculture-related. MFU will work to ensure sound funding for food safety, energy, education, livestock, sustainable and organic programs.

These are just some of the issues MFU will be working on in the 2011 legislative session.  Also, these are the issues MFU members will be talking to legislators about when they head to the state Capitol on Thursday, February 8, 2011, for their annual lobby day. For more information, go to www.mfu.org.

St. Paul (June 3, 2010) - Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) offers educational, leadership camps where kids from all across the state can go to learn about cooperatives; how legislation is formed; the importance of being an active and responsible citizen; and leadership skills as they learn more about themselves and from the other campers in attendance.

"MFU prides itself at providing an educational and enjoyable camp experience at an affordable rate," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  "The campers learn while having fun, and according to a recent testimonial from a camper who attended last year, she gained a tremendous amount of independence and confidence out of the experience; which is what we strive to do for all the campers.  Come and check it out!"

Farmers Union camp schedule is as follows:

Grades 3-5 ($70):

• June 21-25: Northern Elementary Camp at Lake Sarah Campground in Erskine
• June 28-July 2: Southern Elementary Camp at Sibley State Park in New London

Grades 6-8 ($95):

• July 12-16: Northern Junior High Camp at Lake Sarah Campground in Erskine
• July 27-31: Southern Junior High Camp at Sibley State Park in New London

Grades 9-12 ($95):

St. Paul (November 5, 2009) - Shawn Eischens, son of Ronald and Jackie Eischens, from Canby;  Ethan Sweep, son of Nathan and Farmers Union Insurance Agent Barb Sweep, from Fosston; and Tracy Poncelet, daughter of Dennis and Pamela Poncelet, from Mazeppa, each received a $1,500 scholarship from the Farmers Union Industries Foundation.

"Education is one of the founding principles of Minnesota Farmers Union, that is why it is such an honor to be able to give out these scholarships," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  "These kids are trying to better themselves by furthering their education and we are very happy to help, and we wish them the best."

Shawn Eischens is attending Minnesota West-Canby Campus, and his career goals are to work for a machinery company repairing equipment, own a diesel repair shop, and continue operating the family dairy farm.

Ethan Sweep is attending North Dakota State University-Fargo and hopes to become a veterinarian and continue the family farm.

Tracy Poncelet is beginning her fourth year at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, and is pursuing a career in health services-radiation therapy.  Her future goals include working at a children's hospital, teaching radiation therapy at a college, and remaining active in the family farm.