Minnesota Farmers Union

"I have learned that farming systems are really complicated, every farm is unique… Because of that I’ve tried to build programs for farmers to learn and try things together for as many farms as possible."

🔗: mfufoundation.org/natalie-hoidal-local-foods-and-vegetable-crops-educator-at-umn-extension

MFU Executive Committee member Josh VanderPol, co-owner of Pastures A Plenty in Kirkhoven, testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee in support of S.F. 3686, a state pilot program to incentivize rotational grazing through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

MFU member and outreach organizer Brenda Rudolph testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee in support of Senator Torrey Westrom’s bill to expand the beverage options schools can offer students by allowing milk with higher fat content to be served with school meals.

MFU members Darrell Larsen and Owen Busse testified before the Senate Tax Committee this morning, and called on legislators to address the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit shortfall: “We were part of the more than 50 percent of applicants who were denied due to lack of funding.”

Our executive committee was in Staples yesterday to check in on progress at Farmers Union Processing & Meats, which will be a state-of-the-art meat processing facility for primarily beef and pork, and will partner w/ Central Lakes College and Ridgewater College to provide training for students.

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.

Former Farming Leaders Warn U.S. Agriculture Could Face ‘Widespread Collapse’

"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.”

Minnesota farm communities say ICE surge "is going to be very damaging" for business this year While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.

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

YouTube video by Minnesota Senate Media Services Press Conference: Impact of ICE Activity on Agriculture and Rural Communities - 01/14/26

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:

Cheaper by the dozen: MN egg co-op gives neighbors better options Grocery shoppers can't help but feel frustration when a staple like eggs sees rapid price swings. One Minnesota farmer is helping her neighbors by offering a quality product that's not

“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

Rising mediation cases signal deepening financial stress for Minnesota farmers - KVRR Local News ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO/KVRR) — The president of Minnesota Farmers Union says while the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program is welcome, ag producers don’t want to rely on ad hoc payments from the governmen...

“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🎄

Antimonopoly advocates say weak enforcement is fueling higher grocery prices Farm, consumer and grocery groups argue consolidation and price discrimination are squeezing shoppers, farmers and small stores.

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/...

Farmers Say ACA Price Spike Will Force Some Painful Choices Monday was the deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act health-insurance plans for 2026 coverage. The deadline comes as people signing up for plans are seeing premium spikes and enrollment is expecte...

"…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/...

Minnesota farmers to receive assistance from $12 billion federal bailout package Money will begin flowing early next year, including to soybean farmers, who have been heavily impacted by the U.S. trade war with China.

“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

As Struggling Farmers Take On Debt, a Bailout From D.C. May Come Too Late

“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.”

Farming, water quality solution in MN fits in palm of your hand 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

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:

When one door closed, the Smude family opened another for sunflower oil 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.

"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/

Gov. Walz, MN agricultural leaders touch on Trump's promised farmer bailout Farmers are looking for help — and fast — amid President Trump's trade war but many questions remain.

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