Nebraska Farmers Union

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2021

Contact: Lyndsey Medsker
Lmedsker@nfudc.org
202-557-5328

Washington – Yesterday, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act was officially introduced, led by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) Companion legislation was also announced in the U.S. House of Representatives, co-sponsored by Reps. Cindy Axne (D-IA) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA). National Farmers Union (NFU) supports this legislation and urges Congress to act quickly to pass this critically important legislation.

“Corporate consolidation in the cattle industry has given multinational meatpackers undue control over cattle markets,” said NFU President Rob Larew, “Uncompetitive markets hurt family farmers and ranchers and undermine our food security. NFU has been – and will continue to be – steadfast in our support for legislation that ensures a fair market for family farmers and combats the monopoly power of multinational meatpacking corporations.”

“Farmers Union members thank Senators Grassley, Tester, Fischer, and Wyden for introducing the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. These meaningful reforms would increase price discovery and transparency in the cattle market. We also thank Representatives Axne and Feenstra for advancing a companion bill in the House,” Larew added.

The legislation would bring greater fairness to cattle markets, shedding light on a market that is often opaque.

• Establishes mandatory minimums for cash and negotiated grid trading, based on an 18-month rolling average, in each cattle marketing region.
• Brings more transparency by requiring reporting of cattle weights and slaughter deliveries two weeks in advance.
• Establishes a publicly-available cattle contract library.
• Sets severe penalties for violations by packers.
• Requires livestock mandatory reporting data be made consistently available.

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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2021

Contact: Lyndsey Medsker
Lmedsker@nfudc.org
202-557-5328

Washington – This afternoon, President Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. NFU President Rob Larew was in attendance at the White House signing ceremony and issued the following statement.

“Today is a great day for American agriculture. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will provide a much-needed boost to our rural economy and will help keep family farmers, ranchers, and our communities linked and connected with the rest of the country.

“We thank President Biden for his strong leadership in passing this legislation, and offer special thanks to the Congressional leaders who crafted and negotiated the bill.”

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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2021

Contact: Emma Lindberg
elindberg@nfudc.org

Washington—National Farmers Union has announced the 2022 Women’s Conference to connect women in agriculture and provide education on applicable business skills and innovative marketing tactics.

“Farming is never a one-woman job,” said Emma Lindberg, Education Director, National Farmers Union, “It takes a village to run a successful operation. This conference will not only prepare attendees for success in agriculture, but it will also provide them with their own network of women farmers and ranchers they can reach out to throughout the year.”

Farmers, policy makers, educators, and specialists will present on a number of subjects, including business management, leadership, community building, and more. The 2022 Women’s Conference will be a hybrid event with virtual sessions focusing on cooperatives, business management, and food sovereignty.

Farmers Union members are invited to attend the in-person conference in Nashville, TN. Registration information is available at: https://nfu.org/womensconference/.

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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2021

Contact: Lyndsey Medsker
Lmedsker@nfudc.org
202-557-5328

Washington – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684), which is a key part of President Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda. This historic $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill finally addresses the critical infrastructure needs of family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew issued the following statement:

“The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a momentous achievement in boosting our rural communities and the economy as a whole. The bill strengthens our food supply chain as it makes tremendous, much-needed investments in the roads, bridges, dams, and waterways that family farmers and ranchers depend on. The bill also updates hours-of-service regulations for agriculture and livestock haulers, which will keep our crops, inputs, and livestock moving.

“Rural America, like the rest of the country, needs access to high-speed internet, and this bill will make affordable broadband available to the 19 million Americans who have lived offline.

“Provisions in the bill will also help us respond to the climate crisis by increasing the resiliency of watersheds, improving water infrastructure in the west to address more frequent droughts, and by investing in wildfire mitigation.

“This bill, as part of the greater Build Back Better Agenda, recognizes that rural American vitality is key to ensuring the prosperity of our country. We thank President Biden for keeping with his promise and his leadership, and urge Congress to take action on passing the rest of the President’s plan.”

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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2021

Contact:
Lyndsey Medsker
(202) 557-5328
lmedsker@nfudc.org

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND—Today, NFU President Rob Larew joined a panel discussion at COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, to discuss the future of climate-smart agriculture. The panel, moderated by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, included farm and ranch, environmental, and private industry representation. During the discussion, President Larew highlighted the important role farmers and ranchers play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while building resilience on their farms.

“It is essential that family farmers and ranchers have a strong voice in discussions about climate solutions,” said President Larew. “Climate change threatens farmer livelihoods, rural communities, and the entire food system. Agriculture is also uniquely positioned to combat climate change while building resilience to weather extremes if armed with the right tools and resources.”

In support of the central goal of COP26—to tackle the climate crisis—NFU submitted comments earlier this week on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s forthcoming Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry (CSAF) Partnership Program. The program is expected to create new market opportunities for climate smart agricultural products, improving the profitability and resilience of farmers and ranchers.

“We are hopeful that USDA’s new program will play a pivotal role in helping farmers adapt to evolving conditions, while also incentivizing practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon in the soil,” said President Larew. “This program must build upon the important work farmers and ranchers are already doing to address climate change on their farms, while also promoting fair and competitive climate-smart agricultural markets.”

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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2021

Contact:
Lyndsey Medsker
(202) 557-5328
lmedsker@nfudc.org

Washington—Today, the Build Back Better Framework for the budget reconciliation bill was released, including landmark investments to help family farmers and ranchers, rural communities, and the entire economy. National Farmers Union (NFU) supports this framework and urges Congress to finalize and pass the legislation.

NFU President Rob Larew issued the following statement:

“The agreement announced today is a tremendous step toward addressing many of the challenges we face as a nation.

“Family farmers and ranchers are an essential part of the climate solution. We are pleased the framework invests in programs to help accelerate implementation of climate-smart practices on farms and ranches, and demonstrates support for biofuels. These efforts will also help to make farms more resilient in the face of extreme weather events and other natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.

“The framework includes a multitude of investments to help rural America, including establishing the Rural Partnership Program (RPP), improving quality and affordability of health care, and ensuring more children have access to healthy meals year-round.

“We appreciate that the tax provisions in the framework are focused on making sure the highest income Americans pay their fair share, and changes to the tax code do not include elimination of the ‘stepped-up basis’ at death.

“Once more, this framework is an important and critical opportunity to improve the lives of millions and, along with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, should be passed into law.”

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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information, contact:  John Hansen

(402) 476-8815 john@nebraskafarmersunion.org

Upcoming Nebraska Farmers Union Virtual Convention Agenda Highlights Announced

December 3, 2021 Nebraska Farm Homes

Lincoln, Nebraska. “108 Years of Leadership” is the theme for the 108th annual Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) state convention.  John Hansen, NeFU President said, “Despite the ongoing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the service work and focus of our general farm organization to serve the needs of family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities goes on. While we were hoping for the return of our normal in-person State Convention with handshakes and hugs, it is the judgment of our Board of Directors that in order to conduct the necessary elections and business of the organization, and keep our members safe from the Delta variant, we will be doing our state convention virtually via ZOOM.”

The 2021 NeFU State Convention was scheduled to be held in Lincoln at the Cornhusker Hotel, but instead will be held in farm homes across the state.  Successful NeFU and NFU virtual Conventions were held last year, NeFU spring and fall District meetings, and two NFU Fly-In events. “NeFU Vice President Vern Jantzen of Plymouth said, “Our state needs to take full advantage of the additional federal funding to improve and expand rural broadband capacity and accessibility.  We obviously need this technology.”

NeFU delegates and members will elect Board of Directors for three year terms from Districts 2, 4, and 6. Lynn Belitz is running for election for District 2 as the result of the retirement of Jim Knopik. Vern Jantzen is running for re-election in District 4.  Graham Christensen is running for re-election in District 6. The final district caucuses to field potential additional candidates and all elections will be held Friday morning between 11:00 am and noon.

John Hansen has announced his candidacy for re-election to a two year term as President. Friday morning between 11 and noon will be the time for any other nominations and the election.

In addition to electing officers, three delegates and alternates to the National Farmers Union (NFU) Convention will be elected 11 to noon Friday morning.  The 2021-2022 NeFU policy day will be held Tuesday, November 23rd.

Hansen noted “Since there are no transportation, lodging, meal, or registration costs, this is a great opportunity for our members to attend state convention.” Registration is at the NeFU website: https://nebraskafarmersunion.org/convention/. The latest information will be on the website. The usual two day format will be condensed to one day. NFU President Rob Larew will be the Friday noon keynote speaker followed by the always popular State Senator panel with Senators Carol Blood, John Cavanaugh, Myron Dorn, and John McCollister.

NeFU Vice President Vern Jantzen of Plymouth will chair the policy adoption process Friday afternoon.

NeFU President John Hansen concluded, “Our virtual convention will be practicing extreme social distancing, but masks will not be needed in order to keep us safe.”

 Nebraska Farmers Union Virtual State Convention Agenda

“108 Years of Leadership”

December 3, 2021 Second Ever Virtual Convention

Friday Morning, December 3, 2021 (Register Here)

9:30     Call to order:  Convention Convenes, Welcome, Pledge, Prayer, Past Convention Minutes (All Members)

9:45     NeFU Foundation Elections– John Hansen, NeFU Foundation Secretary

• Election of At-Large Member to NeFU Foundation, 1 year term (Ron Meyer is the current director)

10:00  NeFU Foundation & Education Report—John Hansen

10:15   Nebraska Farmers Union PAC report—Vern Jantzen

10:30   Refreshment Break Sponsored by:  Nebraska Rural Radio Association (What’s in your refrigerator?)

10:40   Farmers Union Midwest Agency, LLP report—Jeff Downing, General Manager

11:00   NeFU Elections:  Report by Elections Chair, Vern Jantzen (Members Only)

• Call for additional nominations for NeFU President (2022-2023)
• Election of NeFU President
• Introduction of candidates for NeFU Delegates to NFU Convention  (all Delegates vote)

February 27-March 1, 2022 National Farmers Union Convention, Grand Hyatt, Denver, CO

• Elect Top Six NFU Convention Delegates–Vote for 1, 2, or 3 candidates

(Top 3 vote getters are Delegates—next 3 are Alternates)

• Districts 2, 4 & 6 caucus for additional NeFU District Director Nominations (2022-2023-2024)
• Election of District 2 Director (District 2 Delegates only vote)
• Election of District 4 Director (District 4 Delegates only vote)
• Election of District 6 Director (District 6 Delegates only vote)

12:00    Noon Luncheon:  Sponsored by Farmers Union Midwest Agency, LLP

Help yourself, eat on your own, remember to tip the server and compliment the chef!

Friday Afternoon, December 3, 2021 (All Members) (Register Here)

12:30   NeFU President’s Award presentation to: Jim & Carolyn Knopik, retiring District 2 Director

12:35   NFU President Rob Larew, NFU Government Relations Report

1:30     A Preview of the 2022 Legislative Session

• Senator Carol Blood, LD3
• Senator Myron Dorn, LD30
• Senator John Cavanaugh, LD9
• Senator John McCollister, LD20

2:15     NeFU Policy Consideration  (Delegates Only)

3:15     NeFU President John Hansen, NeFU President-Convention Wrap Up

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This Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), the Local Food Safety Collaborative and National Farmers Union want to honor the contributions of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx farmers and farmworkers across the nation. Key to the success of the agriculture and food industry in the U.S., members of this community work hard to ensure access to a safe and abundant food supply for all.

Food safety starts on the farm, and the country’s Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx producers are on the front lines of preventing foodborne illness. From field to fork, they play a key role in growing, harvesting, and packing fruits and vegetables, helping fresh produce farming operations meet food safety requirements.

Access to culturally appropriate content and resources is essential to providing education and training on food safety best practices and risk reduction. As part of their work with the FDA-funded Local Food Safety Collaborative, project partner Tilth Alliance produced a Spanish-language food safety podcast episode of their Farm Walks series, highlighting Silva Family Farm owned by Pablo Silva, a farmer originally from Mexico who operates his farm in Washington State. Meanwhile, project partners under National Farmers Union USDA Food Safety Outreach Program (FSOP) award supported the translation of essential food safety resources into Spanish, with Minnesota Farmers Union working with University of Minnesota Extension to make key food safety factsheets available in Spanish. Iowa Farmers Union is also supporting Iowa State University Research and Extension in the development and translation of a 10-part food safety video and factsheet series that will be made available in Spanish. In addition to resources, Iowa Farmers Union piloted a partnership with Proteus Inc, an organization that provides migrant farmworkers with education assistance and job training, to provide these essential workers access to Spanish-language on-the-farm food safety training. Acknowledging that not all Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx farmers and farmworkers speak Spanish or may have other learning barriers, Cornell University is developing a set of illustrations that demonstrate fundamental food safety concepts as part of their work with the Local Food Safety Collaborative.

It is with continued appreciation and gratitude that we acknowledge the work of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx farmers and farmworkers. The Local Food Safety Collaborative and National Farmers Union hope to continue to respond to the food safety education and training needs of this community.

For more Spanish-language information on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule and resources, please visit the Produce Safety Alliance website. For general food safety resources, check the Local Food Safety Collaborative website along with the Food Safety Resource Clearinghouse for a curated source of food safety guides, factsheets, templates, and more. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the latest food safety news.

This project website is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award 1U01FD006921-01 totaling $1,000,000 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2021

Contact:
Lyndsey Medsker
(202) 557-5328
lmedsker@nfudc.org

Washington – Today, EPA announced Rod Snyder’s appointment as the new Agriculture Advisor to the EPA. Snyder formerly served as President at Field to Market and his appointment was supported by leading farm and agriculture organizations.

In making the announcement, the Agency said, “Snyder will lead outreach and engagement efforts with the agricultural community for EPA, working to advance the Biden-Harris environmental agenda for farmers and rural communities.”

“Rod’s two decades of experience working at the intersection of agriculture and environment is unparalleled and critical at this time in our history,” said Rob Larew, President, National Farmers Union. “Climate change is the single greatest long-term challenge facing family farmers and ranchers, rural communities, and global food security. We applaud his appointment and look forward to working together to protect the environment while continuing to provide a safe, healthy and consistent food supply.”

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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2021

Contact:
Lyndsey Medsker
(202) 557-5328
lmedsker@nfudc.org

Washington – Representing National Farmers Union in a hearing today before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee on the “State of the Livestock Industry,” Scott Blubaugh detailed the negative impact consolidation has on family farmers and consumers.

“Promoting competition has been and continues to be a top priority for NFU because of the detrimental effects of consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers,” testified Blubaugh. “Today, most sectors in America’s farm and food system are heavily consolidated and dominated by a small handful of multinational corporations, but even more so in the livestock industry. As a result, farmers and ranchers have been deprived choices, innovation, fair prices, and fair treatment.”

Blubaugh called for strong action by the Committee, other lawmakers, and the Administration to address these serious problems. Specifically, Blubaugh called for specific changes to address:

• Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA)
• Price-fixing in the livestock and poultry industries
• Supply chain disruptions
• Competition and diverse market opportunities
• Reliable, accurate, and robust market information
• Truth-in-labeling

“There are several ways to ensure a more resilient food supply for consumers and a competitive marketplace for family farmers and ranchers,” Blubaugh testified. “Across the economy, there must be more scrutiny of buyer power, and regulators must consider the need for robust competition at all links of the supply chain. Furthermore, federal and state governments should invest in supporting more market competition in marketing and processing to build a more resilient livestock sector and to ensure greater value accrues to local and regional food systems,” he concluded.

Other panel witnesses included: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley and representatives of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, North American Meat Institute, National Pork Producers Council and the American Sheep Industry Association.

Last month, NFU launched the “Fairness for Farmers” campaign, an endeavor with clear goals: to promote competitive markets and address rampant corporate consolidation in the food and agriculture sectors and in rural economies. To learn more, visit https://nfu.org/fairness-for-farmers/.

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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2021

Contact:
Mike Tomko, (410) 446-8829, miket@fb.org
Hilary Kirwan, (202) 572-3277, hkirwan@edf.org
Justin Darisse, (240) 426-5912, jdarisse@ncfc.org
Lyndsey Medsker, (202) 557-5328, lmedsker@nfudc.org

Washington – The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) is encouraged by USDA’s announcement today inviting proposals to advance voluntary climate-smart farming and forestry practices. The alliance is pleased to see USDA embracing an incentive-based approach that would increase demand for climate-smart farm, ranch and forestry products, while building trust that the climate benefits are real and verifiable.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Partnership Initiative saying USDA hopes to receive proposals from a wide variety of stakeholders interested in voluntarily collaborating to test wide-ranging ideas that sequester carbon and reduce GHG emissions on farms and working lands. Vilsack credited FACA, saying the department drew heavily from alliance recommendations released in May 2021 when forming the program. USDA also acknowledges the need identified by FACA to build confidence in these climate benefits by investing in measurement, monitoring and verification to lay the groundwork for success and potential actions by Congress.

FACA supports this “walk before you run” approach by government to advance climate-smart practices. FACA has long stressed that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and is pleased USDA is inviting proposals that would add value to and encourage new markets for the full range of farm, ranch and forestry products, grown and raised on farms, ranches and forests of all sizes. The alliance also supports equitable opportunities and applauds USDA’s stated goal to reduce barriers to participation for all farmers, ranchers and forest owners, including producers of color and others who have been historically underrepresented.

Rob Larew, FACA co-chair and National Farmers Union President, said, “Climate change is the single greatest long-term challenge facing family farmers and ranchers, rural communities, and global food security. We applaud Secretary Vilsack and USDA for investing in innovative solutions. An all-hands-on-deck approach is needed to implement climate-smart agriculture across the country. Family farmers and ranchers, if provided with the right tools and support, can be an integral part of the climate solution.”

Chuck Conner, FACA co-chair and president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, said, “Secretary Vilsack has outlined a commonsense approach to promote the adoption of voluntary, climate-smart farming practices by producers across commodities and around the country. This announcement sends a strong message that USDA is looking for a true partnership with the farmers, ranchers and forest owners who will be on the frontlines of implementing these practices and looking for solutions.”

Elizabeth Gore, FACA co-chair and senior vice president for political affairs at Environmental Defense Fund, said, “Agriculture plays a critical role in slowing climate change and building resilience to the climate impacts that are already here. USDA understands both the urgency of addressing climate change and the necessity of ensuring that solutions follow the science and make sense for farm, ranch and forestry businesses. This is the right next step for the department to take.”

“Secretary Vilsack’s focus on pilots to get the policy ‘right’ will help inform future discussions and ensure we are doing the best for the environment, our farms and ranches, and rural communities,” said Zippy Duvall, FACA co-chair and president of the American Farm Bureau. “Reducing barriers, addressing challenges, and encouraging opportunities for all farmers and ranchers, no matter the size of their farm or where they are located, will be key to success.”

FACA consists of 80 organizations representing farmers, ranchers, forest owners, agribusinesses, manufacturers, the food and innovation sector, state governments, sportsmen and women, and environmental advocates. More information and a full list of members can be found at www.AgClimateAlliance.com. FACA’s original 40 recommendations are outlined in a 50-page report and summarized in a one-page hand-out.

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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2021

Contact: Lyndsey Medsker
Lmedsker@nfudc.org
202-557-5328

Washington – In comments filed this week with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Farmers Union strongly encourages the Agency to make appropriate regulatory changes to support increased use of mid-level ethanol blends, including high octane, low carbon fuels.

In the comments filed on Monday, NFU President Rob Larew detailed the challenges that climate change poses to agricultural production and family farmers’ ability to pursue improvements in global food security and how biofuels can address some of these concerns.

“Biofuels have played an important role in supporting family farms, which have faced a struggling economy and significant pressure to stay in production,” commented Rob Larew, NFU President. “NFU has long supported the use of ethanol as a fuel additive for gasoline formulations to enhance octane levels. Use of higher ethanol blends provides significant benefits to the rural community, the environment and beyond.”

The full NFU comments are available here.

NFU also joined with the High Octane Low Carbon Alliance on submitting additional comments in support of higher octane, lower carbon fuels. HOCLA includes the National Corn Growers, Renewable Fuels Association and the Clean Fuels Development Coalition. The full comments are available here.

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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2021

Contact: Lyndsey Medsker
Lmedsker@nfudc.org
202-557-5328

Washington – This month, a federal judge in Minnesota ordered a class-action lawsuit against JBS, Tyson, National Beef, and Cargill to proceed. In the case, National Farmers Union is among the plaintiffs alleging that America’s four largest beef packers conspired to suppress the price of cattle and increase the price of beef.

“We are pleased the effort to restore pricing transparency and competitiveness to the cattle markets is moving forward in the courtroom. This case is nearly two-and-a-half years old and we look forward to the next step in the litigation,” commented Rob Larew, President, National Farmers Union.

The case now enters the discovery phase of the trial, where evidence and information will be presented to demonstrate how packers violated the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Packers and Stockyards Act, and the Commodity Exchange Act.

“As the case moves to discovery, NFU will continue to hold the packers accountable. Malfeasance in the cattle markets has been very damaging to independent farmers and ranchers, and we look forward to continuing to advocate for our members in the courtroom,” Larew added.

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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

By: Billy Mitchell & Tricia Wancko

The Local Food Safety Collaborative (LFSC) continues to grow! Earlier this year, Michigan Farmers Union (MIFU) partnered with Keep Growing Detroit (KGD), an organization that supports greater food sovereignty, provides education to urban farmers and gardeners, and cultivates community connections in the Detroit area. Their vision is of a city where food is not only grown in every neighborhood, but also one where food production is integrated into the fabric of the community while helping to maximize economic and community development opportunities that benefit its residents. Read on to learn more about KGD and its food safety work.

Who are you? 
Keep Growing Detroit (KGD) is cultivating a food sovereign city where the majority of fruits and vegetables consumed by Detroiters are grown by residents within the city’s limits. We operate a number of nationally recognized programs including the Garden Resource Program supporting a network of urban gardens and farms in the city as well as Grown in Detroit, which provides urban growers with very low-barrier opportunities to sell the fruits and vegetables they grow at local market outlets. KGD also operates a 1.3-acre urban farm where we model and share sustainable agriculture practices.

Who do you work with?
Last year, KGD supported 26,935 residents in 1,937 gardens and farms across Detroit. Together, we grew 484,250 pounds of fresh produce for our community. To provide guidance and support to the growers we serve during the pandemic, KGD hosted 43 online educational events focused on climate-friendly farming and cooking practices that were attended by 865 unique individuals. Recordings of these events were viewed by thousands more via our social media platforms and YouTube page.

Why is the Local Food Safety Collaborative work important to the people you serve?
We’re excited to be a part of the Local Food Safety Collaborative to learn more [about food safety] from local and national experts and share what we learn with the growers we serve in Detroit. We’re also happy to share our experience and best practices with the collaborative.

What are you excited about for 2021-22?
We’re excited to assist market gardeners with their 2022 farm plans this winter! We’re also working on ways to help them improve their harvest practices and washing/packing infrastructure.

What’s one thing you’ve learned from a farmer about food safety?
If you use a rainwater catchment system to irrigate crops, check the tanks weekly for algae, bird dropping, and other contaminants. Treat at least monthly with 1oz kitchen bleach per 55 gallons of water to prevent algae, E.coli, and other contaminants. Let treated water sit for 24 hours before using it.

Interested in food safety resources? Please visit the Local Food Safety Collaborative website along with the Food Safety Resource Clearinghouse for a curated source of food safety guides, factsheets, templates, and more. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the latest food safety news. 

This project website is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award 1U01FD006921-01 totaling $1,000,000 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2021

Contact: Lyndsey Medsker
Lmedsker@nfudc.org
202-557-5328

Washington – Today, National Farmers Union, a national organization advocating on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities, launched Fairness for Farmers. This campaign seeks to rally Americans to urge their Congressional leaders and the Biden administration to take concrete steps to curtail consolidation in agriculture, which negatively impacts farmers, ranchers and consumers. At today’s press conference, NFU President Rob Larew, Montana Farmers Union President Walter Schweitzer, and Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish, were joined by Montana Senator John Tester and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, both leaders for strengthening America’s antitrust laws, and protecting working families.

“Today, we launched the Fairness for Farmers campaign. This endeavor has clear goals: to curtail consolidation in agriculture and bust the monopolies, which hurts farmers, ranchers and consumers,” said Rob Larew, NFU President. He added: “We launched Fairness for Farmers because we have a President who is committed to taking on the challenge of fighting consolidation in agriculture. We are all buoyed by President Joe Biden’s Executive Order on ‘Promoting Competition in the Marketplace’ – a commitment from his Administration to restore fairness to our economy.”

Fairness for Farmers is a national campaign that seeks to engage farmers and ranchers to fight for an economy that rewards hard work and ensures fair agricultural markets by:

• Encouraging farmers and ranchers to share videos of their stories online
• Advertising campaigns, both digital and radio
• Working with NFU members across the nation to engage local media
• Building national coalitions to support lawmakers and regulators in the anti-trust space to fight for strengthening our pro-competition laws and regulations
• Educating lawmakers, the media and the American people about our broken food system that allows monopolies to cheat farmers and ranchers, and charge consumers higher prices at the grocery store

NFU is calling for these solutions:

• Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA) reform
• Improving price discovery and ensuring fair and accurate market information
• Facilitating competition and more diverse market opportunities
• Reinvigorated antitrust enforcement

Larew added: “I do believe we are in for a fight. The giants who dominate our food and agriculture industry are not going to be toppled without a struggle.” He concluded: “But Farmers Union members, and everyone who joined me today, are not afraid of a fight and are ready to stand up for fairness.”

For more information, please visit the Fairness for Farmers webpage by clicking here or visiting this link: https://nfu.org/fairness-for-farmers/

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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2021

Contact: David Schuller
dschuller@nfudc.org

WASHINGTON – In a letter sent today to House and Senate leadership, NFU commended Congress for its work to secure historic investments through the budget reconciliation process.

The letter highlighted the importance of these investments for strengthening the American economy. However, it also reiterated NFU’s ongoing concerns with negotiations that could lead to the alteration or elimination of tax provisions that are essential to the economic well-being of family farmers, ranchers, and small businesses in rural communities.

“Burdensome new tax liabilities may lead to the premature sale of family farms and ranches and contribute to a worrying trend toward greater farmland consolidation and corporate control of our food system,” said Rob Larew, President, National Farmers Union.

Larew added, “NFU opposes elimination of the ‘stepped-up basis’ at death on the appreciation of assets, such as land, that family farmers and ranchers rely on to produce the food, feed, fiber, and fuel all Americans depend on.”

The full letter is available here.

# # #

About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2021

Contact: David Schuller
dschuller@nfudc.org

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced two new grant programs intended to provide financial assistance for farmers and ranchers as they adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic in the workplace.

The grant programs, Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant and Seafood Pandemic Response Safety (SPRS) Block Grant, aim to provide assistance to agricultural operations in certain commodity areas, including small scale specialty crop producers and processors, shellfish, aquaculture and other select producers, meat and other processors, distributors, farmers markets and seafood facilities.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our farming community recognized their role as essential workers and made worker safety a priority,” said Rob Larew, President, National Farmers Union, “They adapted their work environments through staggered schedules, provided PPE and onsite testing, retrofitted their facilities to provide social distancing measures and more.”

“These changes were necessary to protect their workforce, but came at a high expense,” Larew added. “We are thankful the American Rescue Plan provided funding for this purpose and thank the Secretary for implementing this grant program.”

The PRS grant will be funded at $650 million and the SPRS block grant will be funded at $50 million. Applications will be available on September 23rd.

# # #

About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2021

Contact: David Schuller
dschuller@nfudc.org

WASHINGTON – Earlier this week, National Farmers Union (NFU) submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in response to a request for information on “Investments and Opportunities for Meat and Poultry Processing Infrastructure.” In the wake of the July 9, 2021 Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, as well as the American Rescue Plan Act, USDA is redoubling its efforts to build a more diversified meat processing sector. The NFU comments note that while the Act includes directives to provide funding for a more diverse marketplace, underlying competition issues will need to be addressed through enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act and antitrust laws.

The comments by Rob Larew, NFU President, reiterated the need to strategically direct federal support towards enhancing resiliency and fostering competition in the meat and poultry processing sector.

“This idea has been a top priority for our members for decades,” wrote Rob Larew, NFU President, “As NFU seeks to ensure that farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice, we look forward to working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on this issue.”

“These investments are a critical component of President Biden’s Executive Order on competition and represent an important step forward in achieving a more diverse and secure food supply chain and agricultural economy,” Larew commented. “When COVID-19 brought disruptions to our livestock markets and food supply, the need for additional, diversified processing capacity became evident to policymakers and the general public.”

NFU comments detail challenges and offer specific guidance to USDA on increasing processing competitiveness, including:

• USDA must be mindful of the market environment in order to assure long-term success in diversifying the marketplace, recognizing that processing sector concentration places extreme pressure on new entrants to the meat industry.
• USDA should emphasize producer-owned cooperative business structures when offering financial assistance to the development of new processing facilities.
• USDA should stop the sale of new or expanded processing facilities to the largest processors to prevent further consolidation and should similarly prohibit the purchase of these new facilities by foreign-controlled entities. Without caution and monitoring, there could be reductions in worker safety and increases in consolidation or foreign ownership of processing capacity.
• USDA funding should include processing plant worker training, through degree programs, certifications, and other educational opportunities.
• USDA should dedicate resources to helping smaller processing facilities have access to shared services in human resources management, compliance, and training.

Full comments available here.

# # #

About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2021

Contact: David Schuller
dschuller@nfudc.org

Today, National Farmers Union Vice President Patty Edelburg provided remarks during a public stakeholder meeting hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the agencies’ intention to revise the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Edelburg, a Wisconsin dairy farmer, explained that NFU members understand the importance of clean water, both on their own farms and ranches, and as a shared resource. She also expressed members’ concerns about broadening the definition of what waters are considered jurisdictional under the CWA.

Edelburg asked the agencies to seek a sensible approach to environmental policy, one that protects the public and the environment, without unduly burdening farmers. In addition, NFU implored the agencies to conduct extensive outreach and engage with stakeholders, including family farmers and ranchers, throughout the rulemaking process.

“As the Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA start writing rules to achieve sound environmental goals, we also ask that you consider the needs farmers and ranchers have for those rules to be clear, easy to interpret, and economically practical. We also strongly encourage the agencies to continue to conduct outreach, to listen carefully to the concerns of farmers and ranchers, and to understand the unique challenges they face on their land,” said Edelburg.

# # #

About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For Immediate Release August 31, 2021

Contact: John Hansen 402-476-8815 or john@nebraskafarmersunion.org

NeFU Provides Guidance to USDA on Investments and Opportunities

For Meat and Poultry Processing Infrastructure

Lincoln, NE. Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) provided written guidance to USDA relative to how to utilize the additional funding that is being made available by the Biden Administration to expand the capacity of small meat processing facilities.

In their comments, NeFU offered their strong support of the “overarching and comprehensive comments offered by National Farmers Union.”

NeFU said in their letter, “NeFU strongly supports President Biden’s Executive Order on competition, and the need to develop a more diverse and secure food supply chain and agricultural economy.”

In addition, NeFU also offered general support for the “letter offered by Michael J. Boehm, Ph.D., University of Nebraska Vice President, and IANR Harlan Vice Chancellor and their request for funding for workforce education and development as well as paperwork assistance for smaller meat packer compliance.”

NeFU ’s comments made it clear the additional funding should not go the large USDA inspected meat packers. NeFU supported proportioning financial funding to expand the capacity and diversity of our meat processing system to include the following kinds of meat processing:

• Existing small USDA inspected meat processing plants that are already comfortable with the additional scheduling and paperwork required to operate a USDA inspected plant. Many of these plants need incentives to modernize and expand their current facilities.
• Existing custom slaughter operations that want to modernize their operations and become USDA inspected facilities so they can sell directly to retail outlets including restaurants and grocery stores as well as sell across state lines.
• Existing custom slaughter operations that want to modernize their operations but do not want to become USDA inspected facilities. Many of these facilities provide critical services to local communities but do not want to take on the additional scheduling, paperwork, reporting, and inspection requirements needed to become USDA inspected plants.
• New federally inspected or USDA inspected custom slaughter plants with a preference for cooperatively or community owned facilities.
• Mobile processing units that can help meet local needs for communities without local meat processing facilities. These kinds of facilities are particularly good at meeting free range poultry processing needs.

“NeFU State President John Hansen said, “The Biden Administration has provided us with an historic opportunity to expand both the capacity and diversity of our meat packing system. That is good for meat producers and meat consumers.  When small plants modernize, they become more efficient while expanding their capacity.”

Nebraska Farmers Union is a general farm organization with 3,841 farm and ranch family members dedicated to protecting and enhancing the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers and ranchers, and their rural communities.  Since 1913, Nebraska Farmers Union has helped organize over 445 cooperatives.

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