ST. PAUL – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members adopted special orders and elected delegates to the National Farmers Union Convention at their 83rd annual state convention, held Nov. 22-24 in Minneapolis.

The main purpose of the convention is to debate and pass the organization’s policy platform, which is developed by members submitting resolutions at the grassroots level and then debated when delegates convene at the annual state convention.

Delegates passed six special orders of business:

• Passing a farm bill and funding agricultural programs.
• Ensuring affordable and accessible care.
• Promoting land ownership and access.
• Supporting cooperatives.
• Ensuring fair markets.
• Opposing the implementation of Project 2025.

The special orders of business are the organization’s main legislative priorities for the upcoming year. They are a timely message to policymakers about what Farmers Union members want them to act on in the near term.

Ten members were elected to represent the Minnesota Farmers Union as delegates at the National Farmers Union Convention, March 9-11 in Oklahoma City. The Minnesota delegates will join delegates from other state Farmers Union organizations to set national policy during the convention.

Delegates who will represent Minnesota:

1. Bennett Smith, Stevens County
2. Brent Imker, Cottonwood County
3. Brenda Rudolph, Morrison County
4. Ed Jostock, Wabasha County
5. John Larsen, Olmsted County
6. Larry Jacobson, Clay County
7. Luke Sanders, Swift County
8. Melany Thomas, Clay County
9. Paul Sobocinski, Redwood County
10. Rick Cedergren, Chisago County

The 83rd annual Minnesota Farmers Union State Convention was held at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast, Minneapolis.

About Minnesota Farmers Union

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, X and Instagram.

# # #

Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture,
Working for Farmers