Minnesota Farmers Union

Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Monday December 22^nd, 2008

MFU comments on Vilsack nomination

President-elect Barack Obama has nominated former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack as United States Secretary of Agriculture. "As the former Governor of a neighboring state, Mr. Vilsack knows the concerns of Midwest farmers," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  "He understands the resources of the Midwest, and the need to bridge our energy policy to the next generation of renewable fuels." National Farmers Union President Tom Buis said, "While rural America faces many challenges, President-elect Obama has prioritized numerous opportunities, including reducing our nation's dependence on foreign oil by advancing the development of renewable energy. Not only will this help our nation, it will help revitalize our rural communities. Wind, solar, biofuels, geothermal, cellulosic, will all be produced in rural America."  Vilsack is the former Governor of Iowa, where he was first elected in 1998 and re-elected to a second four-year term in 2002.  What do you think of the pick?

MFU ready for Legislative session

Notes from the MN Farmers Union Wednesday December 3rd, 2008

Convention Complete

Convention nears
MFU President Doug Peterson says that convention planning is going well for the 67th annual MFU convention this weekend Nov. 21-23 in Mpls.  MFU is expecting a great turnout from members and friends of MFU.  Sen. Amy Klobuchar will be keynoting the banquet on Saturday night, and Rep. Tim Walz is likely to give some opening remarks also at the banquet.  Assistant MDA Commissioner Joe Martin will provide an update on bovine tb and take questions, and in addition BWSR ED John Jaschke will address the convention and take questions.  MFU is also pleased to have Attorney General Lori Swanson, Dean of the U of M CFANS Allan Levine and FSA State Director Perry Aasness address the convention on Saturday. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie will address the convention on Sunday.  A full agenda can be seen at www.mfu.org .

Convention transportation still available
There are a limited number of seats on the MFU vans which are providing transportation to the MFU convention from NW Minnesota. The vans leave early on Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon. If you are interested, contact Jim Tunheim at 651-288-4066 or education.director@mfu.org .

Friday night reception