National Farmers Union joined 18 organizations in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., urging the Senate to complete work on a new farm bill before the end of the year. Senate leadership has worked through the recess to reach a compromise on the amendments that would be offered should farm bill discussions resume when the Senate convenes at 2:00 today. As of press time, no agreement has been announced.

We cannot stress how important it is that your Senators hear from you and your support for this bill. If Congress fails to pass a new farm bill the bill's record investments in nutrition, conservation, renewable fuels, specialty crops will be lost. Call or email your Senators today and urge them to act on the farm bill as soon as possible.

You can read more about the farm bill on NFU's website.

 

Click on Pictures to View

 

I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and offer my best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year.

The strength of Farmers Union is our members.  National Farmers Union, along with our state organizations, offers legislative representation on the national, state, and local levels. In addition, your membership includes educational scholarships, internships, and camp opportunities for Farmers Union youth, among many other member benefits!

You already know that Farmers Union is a wonderful organization, so why not share it with your family, friends, and neighbors by giving the gift of a Farmers Union membership.  Show you care for the future of family agriculture. 

Contact your state farmers union office and let them know you would like to give this wonderful gift. The state office will notify the recipient that you have provided them an opportunity to become an active member in preserving our valued way of life.

Thank you for your generous gift. Your support continues to keep Farmers Union the true voice of family agriculture. 

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes,

Minnesota Farmers Union held its 66th annual state convention Nov. 17 - 18. More than 250 MFU members attended.

"One of the strengths of Minnesota Farmers Union is our grassroots nature of policy development," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. "I believe the convention was a complete success, and I thank all the members for helping make MFU the strong organization that it is."

During the convention, the members went page by page through MFU's policy and made changes. Members also agreed to support a request to administer the federal crop insurance program, setting priorities for the next generation of biofuels,  the passage of a new farm bill and the improvement of corn-based ethanol to move Minnesota to the next generation of cellulosic biofuels. Peterson and Vice President Dennis Sjodin were re-elected to their posts for another two years. Delegates to the National Farmers Union Convention to be held March 2 - 4 in Las Vegas were also elected.

Tom Buis, National Farmers Union President was the keynote speaker on Saturday night. "It was great to be at the Minnesota Farmers Union State Convention," said Buis. "I always enjoy meeting our members and hearing what they have to say about what's happening in rural America."

Rocky Mountain Farmers Union honored former board member Richard Wolf with a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to Farmers Union and Colorado farmers during its annual convention Nov. 16 - 17.

Former staff member Bob Mailander was recognized for his role in the creation and management of the organization's co-op development center. Mailander left RMFU earlier this year for a position in Colorado's state government.

Awards were also given to Colorado State Rep. Judy Solano for her work on rural energy issues and rural health care; Wyoming State Rep. Doug Samuelson for his work on the eminent domain issue, livestock regulations and brand inspection; and to former Denver Post reporter Kim McGuire for her coverage of the coal-bed methane controversy this summer.

In addition, Monte Niebur was elected to the board.

Youth awards at the RMFU convention included the speech contest winner Angelee Goranson, and torchbearer awards were given to Sean Fehringer, Jordan Hergenreder, Joshua Hergenreder, Gage Roelle and Cyndi Schumacher.

Elected to the RMFU Senior Youth Advisory Council were Diane Kopetzsky and Darron Williams.

 

We're taking a brief break from profiling our members this week, but the Members' Corner will be back for you to enjoy next week. In the meantime, you can catch up on some of our previous Farmers Union member profiles:

 

------------------------------------------------------------

 

**Each week, our members get to hear about NFU's work on Capitol Hill and around the United States. Now, we are going to show you what our members are doing across the country. This is part of a series of Member Profiles that will appear each week in the e-newsletter. Check back to get to know your fellow Farmers Union members!

 

Do you know someone you would like to feature from your state? Contact Amber Birtcher.

Missouri Farmers Union is increasing its investment in post-secondary students who have plans to enter production agriculture or to serve rural communities in other ways upon completion of their degree. In 2008, MFU will increase its Gary Wiggins Scholarship to $1,000 to reward students for their dedication to agriculture and rural America.

The scholarship is available to students planning to attend, or who are currently attending, schools within the United States, vocational or otherwise. Adult and non-traditional student applications are welcome. Farmers Union membership is preferred, but not required.

To apply, students must provide a completed application form and essay. Applications must be postmarked on or before Jan. 4, 2008, to be considered. Winners will be announced at the Missouri Farmers Union Ninth Annual Convention, Jan. 25 - 26, 2008 in Moberly.

For more information and to obtain an application, contact MFU's Amy Meyer at (573) 659-4787, ext. 302, or visit MFU's website.

NFU's 2008 Convention will be held March 2 - 4 at Bally's in Las Vegas. Guaranteed to be an exciting mix of top-notch speakers, policy makers and Farmers Union members from across the country, the 2008 NFU Convention is a can't miss event.

 

Last year we were privileged to have House Speaker Nancy Pelosi provide the keynote address and we are looking forward to another successful event in 2008. See you in Las Vegas!

 

REGISTER ONLINE NOW

 

Become a Sponsor

 

 

Additional Las Vegas Information:

 

Bally's Hotel and Casino Resort - Las Vegas

 

Taken from "Agricultural Prices," USDA/NASS.