Minnesota Farmers Union

ST. PAUL (November 19, 2012) – The Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) held its 71st annual state convention on Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18.  Policy and special orders were passed, and delegates were elected for the National Farmers Union Convention in Springfield, Massachusetts, March 2-5.

“The delegates at our convention had an opportunity to express concerns and make changes to our policy – everyone has a voice in Minnesota Farmers Union,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  “That is why our convention is so important because our members discuss the crucial issues of rural Minnesota and make changes to our policy that will improve the future of family farmers and rural communities.”

The MFU delegates passed a special order of business urging Congress to pass, and the president to sign, a five-year farm bill by the end of the year.  The special order also expressed that MFU is opposed to any extension of the current, expired farm bill. The delegates addressed the expiring estate and depreciation taxes, and passed resolutions in support of local food, renewable energy, and property tax relief.

St. Paul (November 6, 2012) – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) is having their 71^st annual state convention Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18 at the Ramada Plaza in Minneapolis. The business of the convention is the completion of the MFU grassroots policy, and delegates will be elected to represent Minnesota Farmers Union at the National Farmers Union convention in Springfield, Massachusetts in March, 2013.  Delegate discussion will surround the farm bill, re-instating the Homestead Market Value Credit, federal estate tax levels, and renewable energy.

“Minnesota Farmers Union policy is formed is by our members, they will discuss the crucial issues of rural Minnesota and changes that will improve the future of family farmers and rural communities. Our state convention is truly grassroots and member-driven, where everyone’s voice is heard” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.

ST. PAUL (August 22, 2012) – Minnesota Farmers Union would like to congratulate Brittany Utsch, daughter of Ken and Shirley Utsch of Paynesville, for winning the Minnesota Farmers Union’s (MFU) FFA Renewable Energy Essay contest.  Brittany was awarded $1,000 for the Paynesville Area FFA Chapter, and a trip to Washington, D.C. when MFU goes on their annual fly-in in September.  Her father, Ken will be accompanying her to Washington, D.C. A thank you and congratulations also goes out the Paynesville FFA Advisor, Mrs. Natalie Utsch, for her guidance.

ST. PAUL (April 24, 2012) – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) announces the 2012 FFA Renewable Energy Essay Contest, with a scholarship award of $1,000 to the winning chapter.  The essay must address the current and future state of renewable energy and its impact on the economy of rural Minnesota. FFA chapters are allowed one entry submission.

“Educating Minnesotans by focusing on the importance, and impact, of homegrown and renewable energy and its role in a strong rural economy is important to the Minnesota Farmers Union family, and we invite all FFA chapters in Minnesota to participate in this exciting new opportunity,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.

The winning FFA chapter will receive $1,000 toward activities benefitting their chapter. The winning essay writer and their advisor will also be invited to participate in an educational forum which will include meeting senators and representatives in Washington, D.C., sponsored by Minnesota Farmers Union.  During the trip, they will get the opportunity to report their essay, as well as speak on the issues surrounding renewable energy.  Essays are due Friday, June 1, 2012.

For more information on this opportunity, contact MFU Education Director Glen Schmidt, glen@mfu.org or 651.288.4066. 

ST. PAUL (January 24, 2012) - With grassroots input from its family farmer-membership, Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) has set priorities for the 2012 legislative session.  

“Rising property taxes in rural Minnesota were a direct result of the Legislatures removal of the Homestead Tax Credit, and its reinstatement will be the number one issue for Minnesota Farmers Union at the Capitol as we work with the Dayton Administration and legislators to find common sense solutions to address this very serious issue” said Doug Peterson, MFU President. “In addition to addressing property tax concerns, MFU will be working on legislation promoting agricultural rural finance and renewable energy.” 

Now that the gray wolf has been removed from the Endangered Species list, MFU will be working to ensure that depredation caused by wolves will be lessened with a gray wolf hunting and trapping season, which should help family farmers reduce livestock losses.

These are just some of the issues MFU will be working on in the 2012 legislative session.  Also, these are the issues MFU members will be talking to legislators about when they head to the state Capitol on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, for their annual lobby day. 

Click here for an audio clip.

ST. PAUL (June 15, 2011) – National Farmers Union (NFU) is having a Renewable Energy Tour with a stop in Morris on Wednesday, June 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Morris, in room 109, the “Cow Palace,” classroom of the Imholte Building. 

“This is a great opportunity for Minnesota to showcase all it has to offer in renewable energy,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. “It will give people a chance to tell their renewable energy story, as well as learn from others.  It is an important event and one that will be informative to everyone who attends.” 

The tour will provide information to farmers and policymakers on the benefits of renewable energy, its role in rural economic growth and the opportunity for an extra revenue stream for farmers. The tour will allow for firsthand dialogue with a German farmer and renewable energy expert, and guest speakers will include an energy specialist from National Farmers Union and officials from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the University of Minnesota, and area businesses. 

St. Paul (March 17, 2011) – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members return from the National Farmers Union (NFU) Convention held in San Antonio, Texas.  

“The focus of the National Farmers Union Convention is NFU policy. It is the platform that we place in front of Congress to represent family farmers,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. “In true grassroots fashion, each state delegate has an opportunity to represent family farmers from their state to ensure every Farmers Union member has a voice.” 

From the United States Department of Agriculture

WASHINGTON, Monday, January 26, 2009-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced he will extend the comment period for the 2008 Farm Bill Farm Program Payment Limitation and Payment Eligibility rulemaking process.

Vilsack discussed his priorities as Secretary of Agriculture during a teleconference call today with agriculture and other reporters across the country and said that as part of the regulatory review process outlined by the White House and Office of Management and Budget (OMB), he is directing the Department to extend the comment period for the payment limits rule for an additional 60 days.

"Let's be clear - in no way is this move a signal that we will modify the rules for the 2009 crop year," Vilsack said. "Sign up has begun and it's important that clear and consistent rules remain in place so that producers can prepare for the crop year and manage their risk appropriately."

To date, USDA has only received seven comments on the payment limits rule and Vilsack says that by extending the comment period additional farmers and other interested parties will have the opportunity to comment.