NEW ORLEANS – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members were in New Orleans March 7-9 for the 124th anniversary convention of National Farmers Union (NFU) where 500 farmers and ranchers from throughout the nation gathered to set the organization’s 2026 policy.
The finalized policy priorities approved by NFU’s delegates include three special orders of business on timely topics: Family Farmers, the Farm Crisis and the Future of Food and Farm Policy; Family Farming and the Roots of Our Democracy, and Family Farming and Dairy Policy Reform.
Morrison County Farmers Union member Nate Rudolph served on the NFU Policy Committee along with members from several other states.
“I truly enjoyed it. We had a great group too,” Rudolph said. “Everybody connected so well, respected everyone else’s opinions and engaged in healthy discussions. I would encourage people to get involved in the policy process at their state level. It’s not for everybody but it takes everybody to make it work and have a policy that is reflective of the membership.”
MFU President Gary Wertish of Renville County, MFU Vice President Anne Schwagerl of Big Stone County, MFU State Secretary Melissa Bakker Roach of St. Louis County, and Executive Committee members Carol Anderson of Benton County, Ted Winter of Nobles County, Linda Larson of Dakota County and Josh VanDerPol of Chippewa County served as NFU Convention delegates along with MFU members Hannah Bernhardt of Pine County, Sam Birkholz of Chisago County, Russell Derickson of Cottonwood County, Ken Griebel of Brown County, Larry Jacobson of Clay County, Todd Leiding of Fillmore County, Dana Seifert of Scott County, Steven Sparby of Marshall County, James VanDerPol of Chippewa County, and Harmon Wilts of Swift County.
“Thank you to the many members who represented Minnesota Farmers Union at the National Farmers Union Convention,” Wertish said. “The policy debate was meaningful, and I was proud of how we as Minnesotans advocated for policy that will help not only family farmers, but also members of our communities. It was fitting that we honored Paul Sobocinski this convention as he has spent more than 40 years advocating for family farmers and rural communities. Lastly, congratulations to all the county organizations that won national Leadership Awards. It is your dedication and continued efforts that bring people together and form the deep roots of our grassroots organization.”
Several MFU members were recognized for their work at the NFU Convention. Redwood County Farmers Union member Paul Sobocinski received the Bruce Miller award, which recognizes individuals who display a passion for family farming and rural America while promoting the work of the Farmers Union. Twelve county organizations received NFU Leadership Awards. The county units recognized: Aitkin, Brown, Clay, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin-Ramsey, Kanabec, Morrison, Olmsted, St. Louis, Swift and Waseca-Steele.
Swift County member Wilts spoke during a breakout session titled, “From Satellites to Soil: How Federal Science Supports Family Farmers,” and Scott County member Mike Seifert participated in a panel discussion titled, “The Future of Family Farming and Ranching.”
Thomas and Candice Zimmermann of Crow Wing County attended as part of the Farmers Union Enterprises Leadership (FUEL) program.
“Each year, the National Farmers Union Convention reminds us that family farmers across the country share common challenges and common purpose,” said MFU Vice President Schwagerl. “Whether we farm a few acres or thousands, we are united in advocating for fair markets, strong communities, and policies that ensure family farmers—not corporate monopolies—have a future in agriculture.”
“The challenges facing family farmers and ranchers continue to grow more complex,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “But through it all, Farmers Union continues to do something Washington too often struggles to achieve: bringing people with diverse viewpoints together, working through tough issues and emerging with solutions they built collectively. That unity is our greatest strength.”
The 125th anniversary NFU Convention will March 7-9, 2027, in San Antonio.
About Minnesota Farmers Union
Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
