By Tony Jarboe, NFU communications coordinator Missouri Farmers Union President Richard Oswald has a great write-up of NFU’s 110th Anniversary Convention in La Vista, Neb., in the Daily Yonder today. He discusses NFU’s approach to policy creation, the special orders of business that were passed, and the new NFU logo. Below is an excerpt from … Read More

The following speech was delivered by New England Farmers Union member Tess Lavoie-Brown at NFU’s 110th Anniversary Convention in La Vista, Neb. Thanks to folks at the National Farmers Union for inviting me to speak. I am a new voice, and it takes enormous confidence for them to bring me here. I say I am … Read More

By Jan Ahlen, NFU government relations representative Rural America is under increased economic stress. What once was a thriving sector of the economy and a boon for rural economic development, American agriculture employs fewer people every year. As a result, there are fewer jobs for young people. Today’s farm children would rather move to cities … Read More

By Maria Miller, NFU director of education This year people around the world are celebrating a business model that puts people first. In a world where the majority of businesses put profit first, this model is being called innovative. For Farmers Union, we call it history. Farmers Union’s roots go back to Point, Texas, where, … Read More

By Brittany Jablonsky, NFU government relations representative Beginning today, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce plans to markup H.R. 3989, the Student Success Act. One of the amendments to this legislation that the committee plans to consider has particular implications for rural schools ­ an amendment based on H.R. 2485, the All Children … Read More

By Brittany Jablonsky, NFU government relations representative Yesterday the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food (KYF) Compass, an interactive web-based document and map highlighting USDA support for local and regional food projects and successful producer, business and community case studies. The KYF Compass is a digital guide to USDA … Read More

By Maria Miller, NFU education director “Cooperatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility. “ – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Successful cooperatives have been around for a long time. Some Farmers Union oil and elevator co-ops are celebrating more than 80 years … Read More

By Maria Miller, NFU education director It has never been easy for young people to begin farming and ranching. Each generation of farmers lack credit, affordable and available access to land, a depth of experience, and, sometimes, support from their hometown communities and families.  It’s tough enough for to put down roots when taking over … Read More

By Chandler Goule, NFU vice president of government relations When Bill Greenleaf met me at the airport we both said hello and immediately we were both on the phone with income calls. As we proceeded away from the airport to the beautiful mountains, Bill explained to mehis past life as a PGA golf pro. I … Read More

By Mike Stranz, NFU government relations representative We’re all used to seeing labels on everyday products that tell us where that item was produced. It’s almost a reflex to look for that information. Given how basic that information seems to be, it is startling to realize that Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) wasn’t required on … Read More