Minnesota Farmers Union

ST. PAUL (April 27, 2012) – The Department of Labor had proposed rules that restricted farm kids from doing simple farm chores on family farms.  After thousands of comments against these rules, the Department of Labor has decided to withdraw the proposed rules.

“Minnesota Farmers Union is glad that the Department of Labor listened to the concerns of Minnesota Farmers Union members and rural folks and decided to withdraw the rule changes,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. “Farm safety is a top priority for all farmers and it is great to see that the Department of Labor has decided to preserve the traditions of family farms and the rural way of life, and let family farms be run by family farmers who use common sense when it comes to farm work and farm safety.”

In November, Minnesota Farmers Union members overwhelmingly passed a Special Order of Business against the proposed Department of Labor rule changes.  MFU also sent comments in opposition to these proposed rule changes.

St. Paul (February 2, 2012) – Minnesota Farmers Union is pleased with the news that the Department of Labor has decided to back off and change a plan that would have restricted children’s work on farms.

“The proposed rules lacked common sense and went too far and I am glad the Department of Labor has listened to the concerns of Minnesota Farmers Union family farmers and National Farmers Union and decided to back off from their original proposal,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. 

In November, 2011, Minnesota Farmers Union submitted comments to the Department of Labor against the proposed rules.  The Department of Labor will propose new rules this summer with another comment period.  MFU will be making meaningful comments to the Department of Labor once the new proposed rules are released.

“Farm safety is a high priority for every farming family and I believe parents know best about the limitations of their children. The Department of Labor should listen to these farm families about their present day labor concerns and work with them on the flexibility needed to run a present day farm.”

ST. PAUL (November 22, 2011) – The Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) held its 70^th annual state convention on Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20.  Doug Peterson was re-elected as President and Gary Wertish was re-elected Vice President by acclamation; policy and special orders were passed, and delegates were elected for the National Convention in Omaha, Nebraska in March. 

This policy is what MFU, as an organization, advocates for in the upcoming year.  Among the special  orders of business passed include one on the farm bill, which calls for meaningful payment limitations, a strong safety net for all crops when prices are low, as well as for dairy farmers when the farm gate price falls below production. A second special order calls for the reinstatement of the Homestead Credit (Homestead Market Value Credit). The third special order calls for MFU to send comments opposing the proposed rule to the Department of Labor that could prohibit certain children from farm activities and could negatively impact 4-H, FFA, and youth who wish to work on farms and in agriculture.