Farmers and rural residents made their voices heard at our first two People’s Town Hall meetings of 2026 today in Austin and Owatonna. Folks are concerned about a number of issues, including harmful trade policies, the ICE surge in MN, and lack of access to affordable healthcare.

Join us TOMORROW (2/10) in Austin and Owatonna to make your voice heard! Learn more and register: bit.ly/PeoplesTownHall

Membership Director Gail Donkers represented MFU during Senator Amy Klobuchar’s visit to Rodney Moe's farm in Waltham. Topics discussed included the need for a new farm bill, the impact of tariffs, and E15.

"Current economic conditions and Trump administration policies could lead to 'a widespread collapse of American agriculture,' a bipartisan coalition of former Agriculture Department officials and leaders of farm groups warned in a letter on Tuesday.”

Agricultural communities are feeling the effects of the federal immigration crackdown, too. MFU President Gary Wertish predicts lower crop yields and ultimately higher prices at the grocery store.

"I strongly encourage farmers to find a mentor or a trusted neighbor to lean on for advice…we have more than 50 farmer mentors across the state who help farmers avoid costly mistakes and shorten the learning curve." Read our full interview with Alex: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight

HAPPENING NOW: We are joining other agricultural leaders and policymakers to discuss the ICE surge in Minnesota and its impact on farmers and rural communities. Watch the press conference live:

“Egg prices are trending lower since supplies recovered from bird flu outbreaks. But Brittney Johnson said record highs from last year are still on her mind as she nears the first anniversary of the egg cooperative on her northwestern Minnesota farm.”

“The farmers are the experts of their operation and know the land better than anyone, so my goal is to hear their perspective and learn about the concerns they might have…” 🔗 mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight

“Farmers want their money from trade, they don’t want it from aid.” Learn more about what MFU President Gary Wertish says about the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program:

🎄Merry Christmas🎄

MFU Antimonopoly Director Justin Stofferahn: “An underappreciated but core reason for rising costs are a range of anti-competitive tactics, some new, some old.”

Leaders from the Minnesota Department of Commerce joined Jim and Karen Falk on their farm to discuss energy costs and the impact of federal cuts to incentives for on-farm renewable energy. Learn more: www.agweek.com/news/policy/...

"…the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will sharply raise health insurance costs in 2026, forcing painful tradeoffs that could slow farm growth, strain rural hospitals and push some producers out of business altogether.” www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/...

“The aid is definitely needed, but it's a little frustrating at the same time, because it's really self-inflicted by the president's policies.”

Thankful for the farmers who make our Thanksgiving feasts possible. Learn more about the “Farmer’s Share” of the food dollar for items typically served during the holiday: nfu.org/news/thanksg...

Elected officials are always welcome guests at State Convention! Thanks for stopping by #MFU84 @smith.senate.gov, @repangiecraig.bsky.social, and @ag.state.mn.us.

We have a long history of nurturing the next generation of ag leaders, and we were happy to have a few of those leaders join the 84th Annual State Convention today: Princess Kay of the Milky Way Malorie Thorson, Minnesota FFA State Officers, and 4-H Ambassadors!

Our 84th Annual State Convention is officially underway! Looking forward to a weekend of connection and conversations about the future of family farm agriculture.#MFU84

“With so much uncertainty, and a hard-won skepticism that politicians will make decisions quickly or pass new legislation, a lot of farmers are in for difficult conversations with their bankers in the coming months.”

When Minnesotans turn on their kitchen faucets, the water quality might be tied to the health of regional farmland. Some farmers just finished planting seeds that help tie it all together…” Learn more about cover crops:

"The Smude family is no stranger to starting businesses and they're experts at finding innovative ways to use every part of the sunflower seed."

"I have a strong passion for keeping the soil in place and helping farmers farm. It’s urgent work that needs to be done, and we need more conservation practices on the landscape. I have dedicated myself to working on that." 🔗: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/

MFU President Gary Wertish: “The $10 billion to $12 billion, the farmers need it. There's no doubt. But it's kind of been self-inflicted by the current president's policies. So that's a little frustrating as a farmer.”

"I want farmers to know that everyone is in the same boat. We’re all dealing with different weather challenges, and economic and market challenges, so we’re all in it together.” 🔗: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight

MFU President Gary Wertish: "The shutdown comes as farmers begin to harvest. They need to know now they can count on not only USDA but other agencies. The last thing we need now is more uncertainty”

The Farm & Forest Growers Cooperative aims to advance the resilience of our forests by offering tree species that are genetically adapted to thrive in warmer climates and survive new pest pressure accompanying the warmer conditions. Learn more: climatesmarttrees.com

MFU President Gary Wertish was at the Minnesota Capitol today to call for the reversal of healthcare cuts and the extension of tax credits that help make health coverage affordable for farm families.

“A Minnesota family is sharing their experience of tragedy to encourage fellow farmers to stay safe around large machines and technology.”

“I spend a fair amount of time working on pasture-related items and I really do believe that pastures are almost always the most underutilized and unappreciated resources for most producers." Read our full interview with Troy: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/

Yesterday, Farmers Union Enterprises (which is comprised of the Farmers Union organizations in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin) donated more than 20 pallets of ham, or about 35,000 pounds, to Second Harvest Heartland!

"More than a big-name fundraising concert…Farm Aid is a flag that waves: Help is available. And it’s needed today as much as it was 40 years ago.”

“The 40th anniversary concert comes at an auspicious time, as American farmers face perhaps the bleakest economic conditions since the 1980s farm crisis that spurred the first Farm Aid.”

"Farm Aid 40 comes to Minneapolis this week. It is more than a celebration of music and family farms. It is also a reminder that for the farmers who fuel our economy, enliven our communities and feed our state, these are daunting days...” Learn more:

“Most of us got into farming so we could farm, not so we could make a balance sheet and do financial projections. But if we want to farm for the long haul, you have to know your finances.” Read our full interview with Erik: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/

We are in Washington D.C. with Farmers Union members from across the country for @nfudc.bsky.social Fly-In to demand meaningful support for those who feed America. Family farmers are facing a crisis and we need Congress to act now.

"I would say one benefit of working with Centra Sota Co-op is you’re working with a team of people. We have the crop adviser, environmental services team, and a whole group of people working with us." Read our full interview: mfu.org/conservation...

The @startribune.com gave two of Farmers Union Coffee Shop’s new Minnesota State Fair foods — the Bison Meatball Sub and the Strawberry Basil Lemonade — four stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read the reviews: www.startribune.com/we-tried-mor...

@mspmag.bsky.social food writer @deardara.bsky.social picked Farmers Union Coffee Shop’s new Apple Glaze as one of the best new MN State Fair foods of 2025! “…inarguably a perfect pastry.”

A lot of familiar faces kicking off @mnstatefair 2025 at Farmers Union Coffee Shop! Thanks for starting your morning with us, @governorwalz.mn.gov, @amyklobuchar.com, @smith.senate.gov, and @peggyflanagan.bsky.social!

“Ready for State Fair Food? The Farmer’s Union Coffee Shop has you covered. As the countdown to the fair begins, the Farmer’s Union Coffee shop previewed some of what it will be serving at this year’s Minnesota State Fair…” 📺 WATCH:

The Minnesota Cooperative Summit, held at the end of July, attracted a sell-out crowd of ~200 people and showcased the diversity of the cooperative model w/ speakers from agriculture, real estate, banking, grocery, childcare, healthcare, energy and more. www.mncooperativesummit.org/

“I’ve always appreciated the rural community. Agriculture feels like home to me, and I genuinely enjoy hearing farmers’ stories and learning what I can do to help them make the changes they’d like to see on their operations." Read our full interview: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight

Yesteray, MFU Vice President Anne Schwagerl joined Senator Amy Klobuchar and Michael Fairbanks, chairman of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, in Waubun to tour B & T Meats. It was clear how critical they are to the community in Mahnomen County. @amyklobuchar.com

Farmers want the continued support of both federal and state leaders. MFU Vice President Anne Schwagerl on @kare11: “We want to see what’s best for Minnesota family farmers. It’s not a Democrat or Republican issue. It’s what’s best for rural America.”

Day 2 at Minnesota Farmfest 2025 and our hoop barn is always a hub of activity! Today, we chatted with Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota FFA, and a bipartisan mix of state legislators (Representative Luke Frederick, Representative Emma Greenman, and Rep. Paul Torkelson)! @governorwalz.mn.gov

Perfect August weather and friendly familar faces made the first day of Minnesota Farmfest 2025 a success! Important conversations about the future of agriculture and delicious wood-fired pizza from Pizzeria 201!

“Meet Noreen Thomas, who grew up in agriculture and now devotes much of her time helping others thrive in farming, too. Find out more about the Farmfest 2025 Woman Farmer of the Year finalist.”

We’re back at Gilfillan Farm for Minnesota Farmfest 2025! If you’re visiting the show, stop by our hoop barn to say hi. We’ve got Pizzeria 201 right next door!

“I get to cover a lot of ground and work with farmers in a 5-county area, so I can observe a lot of methods for implementing [conservation] practices which helps me when I’m working with a specific farmer or situation.” Read the full interview: mfu.org/conservation...