Minnesota Farmers Union

Notes from the MN Farmers Union Wednesday May 20, 2009

MFU on legislative session

MFU saw positive action on many fronts this year at the state capitol during the 2009 legislative session which adjourned on Monday May 18^th.   MFU was very pleased that the legislature made many changes to the Green Acres Property Tax program that corrected changes that had been made in 2008.  In addition, MFU was very pleased to see positive results on MFU priorities including the extension of the Farmer-Lender Mediation program and $35 million in bonding authority for the Rural Finance Authority (RFA) which partners with local lenders to provide affordable credit to eligible farmers. MFU President Doug Peterson said "MFU was pleased to see the legislature act positively on these issues that have a profound impact of the day to day lives of farmers."

Notes from the MN Farmers Union Monday April 27, 2009

MFU Camps

MFU is again this year offering summer camps to kids across the state. "Minnesota Farmers Union campers focus on learning practical coop principles by planning daily activities to develop leadership and cooperative skills," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  "These youth camps provide an enjoyable setting with a rich and rewarding experience for campers of all ages." Farmers Union camp is where campers can learn about each other and their varied backgrounds.  It allows for socializing in a healthy, learning environment centered on rural themes that improve their quality of life and leadership skills.  Activities include campfires, costume theme nights, along with recreational swimming, nature hikes and more.

Farmers Union camp schedule is as follows:

Grades 3-5 ($70):

• June 15-19: Southern Elementary Camp at Sibley State Park, New London.
• June 22-26: Northern Elementary Camp at Lake Sarah Campground in Erskine.

Grades 6-8 ($95):

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Monday April 20^th, 2009

District Meetings

MFU President Doug Peterson thanks the over 100 Farmers Union members and friends that attended the recently held district meetings held around the state.  MFU was pleased to have Commissioner Gene Hugoson join MFU at two of the meetings as well as Sen. Tony Lourey and Rep. Bill Hilty at the Moose Lake meeting.  MFU members talked about many issues including health care, banking and bailouts, animal id, COOL, and Green Acres.

Senate passes omnibus Agriculture bill

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Monday March 23, 2009

Peterson calls for increase in ethanol blend

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Monday March 16^th, 2009

Johnson elected NFU President

MFU delegates elected Roger Johnson, North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, as the new National Farmers Union President at the 107th National Farmers Union Convention in Washington, D.C. this past week. "Roger grew up in the Farmers Union family," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President, "so it is fitting that he was elected as our National President.  I look forward to working with him in promoting the Farmers Union agenda, and pushing for policies that better family farmers and rural America."
Johnson grew up in Farmers Union, participating in the organization's youth programs, serving as a county president and chairman of the board of a local Farmers Union cooperative. A third-generation family farmer from Turtle Lake, N.D., Johnson was elected North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner and recently served as president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, playing a key role in the crafting of the 2008 Farm Bill.

Members return from convention

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Friday March 6, 2009

MFU members heading to Washington, D.C.

Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members will be attending the National Farmers Union Convention where a new National Farmers Union President will be elected.  There will also be policy discussions, and speakers.  The Convention will be held March 8 - 10 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia, with a lobby day on Capitol Hill on the 11^th. 

The schedule is as follows:

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Thursday February 26^th, 2009

Buis Stepping down

Notes from the MN Farmers Union Friday February 13^th, 2009

Lobby day

MFU President Doug Peterson thanks members for taking time out of their busy schedules to come to the capitol in St. Paul this past week for the second of two lobby days. Members came from Northwest and West Central Minnesota.  Members met with Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark and Sens. Dille, Gimse, Ingebrigtsen, Stumpf, Kubly, Langseth, and Skoe. In addition they also met with Reps. Falk, Koenen, Otremba, Juhnke, Eken, Lieder, Urdahl, Kulick-Jackson, Marquart and Anderson.  Members talked about Green Acres the state budget and other MFU priorities.

Dairy price a big concern

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Monday February 2^nd, 2009

MFU hosts successful lobby day

MFU President Doug Peterson thanks the many members who took time out of their busy schedules to travel to the capitol in St. Paul for the first of two MFU lobby days.  Members attended the Agriculture Finance Committee hearing on Green Acres, met with Attorney General Lori Swanson, met with MFU leaders, and held several legislative meetings.  Among the legislators MFU members met with were: Sens. Lourey, Olseen, Saxhaug, Vickerman, Rosen Frederickson, Erickson-Ropes, Murphy, Pariseau, Dahle, and Senjem, and Reps. Davids, Bly, Eastlund, Hilty, Solberg, Faust, Hamilton, Magnus, Cornish, Kath, Torkelson, Kelly, Demmer, Welti, Garafalo, Fritz, and Drazowski.

Next lobby day Feb. 11^th