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mnfarmersunion.bsky.social
A grassroots, member-driven organization working to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers, ranchers, and rural residents.
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MFU staff and delegates are assembled here in Oklahoma City for the 123rd Annual @nfudc.bsky.social Convention! We’re ready to gather with Farmers Union delegates from across the nation to participate in breakout sessions and debate/vote on NFU’s policy for the year.

Both farmers and rural communities expressed the need to have more farmers and advisors to continue farming and rebuild a robust ag economy. Dive deeper into the themes of our "Climate & Agriculture: What Do Farmers Think?" report: bit.ly/ClimateAgReport

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen has joined our member legislative call to discuss the Governor’s budget request, federal-state funding interactions, budget forecast, and other emerging issues.

MFU members made their voices heard during this morning’s Senate Tax Committee hearing! Brad Kluver and Tessa Parks testified in support of the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit, and Kelsey Zaavedra shared her support for allowing small famers to participate in the Ag Homestead Tax Credit.

Starting today, most goods coming from Mexico and Canada will get hit with a 25% tariff. MFU President Gary Wertish: "This is definitely going to have a detrimental effect for the farmers, which in turn, has a detrimental effect on the rural communities."

MFU member Matt Hardy testified before the House Ag Committee in support of Rep. Paul Anderson’s bill to authorize new bonding authority for the Rural Finance Authority. “…the RFA Beginning Farmer Loan Program helped us purchase 40 acres and realize the dream of owning our own family farm.”

The emergence of many new markets that value climate and environmental co-benefits was identified as a top issue for producers. Climate-smart agriculture markets give farmers options. Dive deeper into the themes of our "Climate & Agriculture: What Do Farmers Think?" report: bit.ly/ClimateAgReport

Cuts at USAID will end thousands of humanitarian programs abroad. But Minnesota farmers will also see financial impacts. Gary Wertish: “All the food that we send overseas is raised right here locally within MN. It’s directly coming from family farms.”

Senator @amyklobuchar.com joined our February Full Board meeting this morning to share what she’s working on in Washington. From corporate consolidation to retaliatory tariffs, Sen. Klobuchar is not afraid to stand up and fight against the things that hurt farmers and rural communities.

Farmers have a stake in climate policy and the development of voluntary, incentives-based climate-smart markets. Read "Climate & Agriculture: What Do Farmers Think?" — an MFU report that captures insights from MN farmers to help inform decision makers: bit.ly/ClimateAgReport

Join us on March 5th for our next women's programming event! We will tour the new Minnesota History Center exhibit, "Girlhood (it's complicated)," and follow it up with lunch at Farmers Kitchen + Bar! Learn more and register: bit.ly/GirlhoodAtHistoryCenter

Tina Smith is a friend of MFU, working across the aisle and across the board on issues that matter — from a strong #FarmBill to rural mental health and beyond! There’s still important work ahead for the remainder of her term and we’re grateful she’ll be there for farmers. Cc: @smith.senate.gov

MFU Vice President @anniebs.bsky.social joined the first Minnesota House Agriculture Committee hearing of the 2025 #mnleg session to testify about Sustainable Aviation Fuel — a win-win-win opportunity for family farmers, the environment, and the transportation industry.

“I’m concerned these tariffs will lead to a drop in farm income and force farmers off the land. We need more farmers, not fewer farmers.” MFU Pres. Gary Wertish spoke against across-the-board tariffs today during a press conference hosted by @amyklobuchar.com + MN Building & Construction Trades.

#MFULobbyDay25 was a success! 70+ members met w/ @governorwalz.mn.gov, AG Keith Ellison, @mnagriculture.bsky.social Comm. Thom Petersen, and legislators to advocate for our legislative priorities, including: ☑️ Affordable healthcare ☑️ Right to Repair ☑️ Investments in climate resilience + more!

"Minnesota Farmers Union president Gary Wertish…says not only will higher costs be passed on to consumers and farming partners, relationships with foreign companies will be damaged by the decision to implement tariffs by the Trump Administration.”

Passionate about climate-smart agriculture and market development? Join our team and drive a research agenda that explores issues related to climate, antimonopoly, and family farm viability. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply today: mfu.org/careers

The lawsuit filed against John Deere represents a critical step in creating a more competitive market for farm equipment repair, which will in turn benefit both farmers and independent repair technicians. #RightToRepair

We’re creating community and connection around rural storytelling, food, farming and wellness with this great crew at our 2025 Women’s Conference in Mankato!

This lawsuit represents a critical step in creating a more competitive market for farm equipment repair that will benefit farmers and independent repair technicians. Learn more:

It was the first day of the 2025 #mnleg session and our legislative team was at the Capitol bright and early this morning! As always, we’re ready and eager to advocate for our farmer members and rural communities throughout Minnesota.

Minnesota Farmers Union is preparing to advocate for a strong agriculture budget, affordable healthcare, support for beginning farmers and other priorities during the 2025 Minnesota legislative session, which begins today. Learn more:

We had a great time connecting with farmers, attending educational sessions, and enjoying great food at the annual Minnesota Organic Conference in St. Cloud! MFU’s own @anniebs.bsky.social and Jada Csikos-Monroe even presented during a breakout session about funding for climate-smart agriculture!

✨HAPPY NEW YEAR✨ We look forward to another year of advocating for family farmers and the rural communities they call home!

We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Senator Kari Dzeidzic’s passing. She led as the Senate Majority Leader during the landmark 2023 session and served Farmers Union members well on the Agriculture Committee. Her voice will be deeply missed at the Capitol.

Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy, and happy holidays!

What does MFU Leadership Camp offer? 🏕️ Campfires, theme nights, and nature hikes 🏕️ Activities to develop leadership and cooperation 🏕️ Friendships and fun Registration launches January 1st! Learn more: mfu.org/camp

From her tour of all 87 counties each year to her work on the last three Farm Bills, @amyklobuchar.com is known for showing up, listening and delivering results. Our members know her well and are grateful for her continued service.

Rep. Angie Craig has a proven track record of bringing people together around bipartisan solutions. We’re glad that she will be joining @amyklobuchar.com as a leading voice in Farm Bill discussions.

“Minnesota Farmers Union…’is optimistic about the future of green ammonia and its potential to support family farmers and rural communities,’ said Gary Wertish, president of the farmer’s union.”

🚨IMPORTANT ACTION ALERT🚨 There is a real risk Congress passes only a straight farm bill extension with NO economic assistance package before leaving DC for the year. Contact your members of Congress NOW in support of economic assistance at the link below👇 actionnetwork.org/letters/tell...

"If Minnesota wants to be a leader in the nation or world in the production and utilization of green ammonia, the time is now, according to policy, energy and agriculture leaders at a Green Ammonia Summit on Tuesday, Dec. 10, in Morris.” Learn more:

Price-gouging. Price-fixing. Anti-monopoly. What are these terms and how do they impact small businesses? Join us on Dec. 16 at 5pm to discuss the fight against monopoly power. Plus, hear remarks from @amyklobuchar.com!

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen announced the launch of the Green Fertilizer Grant Program at yesterday’s Green Ammonia Summit! Cc: @mnagriculture.bsky.social Learn more: www.agweek.com/news/policy/...

The Green Ammonia Summit was a huge success! Today in Morris, private sector partners, technical experts, energy and utility companies, researchers, policymakers, and farm organizations came together to discuss the future of green fertilizer both in Minnesota and nationally.

“High input costs + low commodity prices are putting immense pressure on farmers and rural communities.” Former Senator Heidi Heitkamp joined us at tonight’s Green Ammonia Summit dinner reception to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act + what the next #FarmBill should address.

MFU members set their priorities for 2025 during #MFUConvention24: -Passing a farm bill and funding agriculture programs -Ensuring affordable and accessible care -Promoting land ownership and access -Supporting cooperatives -Ensuring fair markets -Opposing Project 2025