Minnesota’s family farmers are accustomed to managing uncertainty. However, with razor thin profit margins, increasingly concentrated markets, the lack of a new Farm Bill, federal funding freezes and escalating tariffs leading to a trade war, the uncertainty is overwhelming.

Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) hosted 10 People’s Town Halls around the state from March 18 through April 8 to better understand the strain farmers and rural people are feeling and learn how MFU can work alongside the state and federal government to meet their needs. More than 600 people attended the People’s Town Halls to make their voices heard and share concerns and ideas about how we move forward.

Attendees raised concerns not only about the impacts on agriculture, but also about cuts to healthcare, education, Social Security and veteran’s benefits. These and other issues are explored in the themes in this People's Town Halls Report.