Farmers work together on big issues

At the end of harvest, when "All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin," farmers gather to compare notes before their attention is captured by the holidays. Traditionally, the two largest Minnesota organizations, Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF), hold their annual conventions in Minneapolis on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Each assembly hears reports, welcomes guest speakers, and votes for delegates to their national affiliates. Historically, both groups grew from farmers organizing in the early 20th century to bring their shared concerns to the legislative table, and today the major business of each gathering is to consolidate issues that members want their lobbyists to bring to legislators in St. Paul and Washington, D.C.

This year, as usual, some of the concerns coincide. Both groups prioritize passing the long-delayed Farm Bill, promoting rural prosperity and health, and supporting a fair transition of farmland across generations. The Farm Bureau also emphasizes environmental stewardship, research and innovation, and preparedness for emergencies affecting livestock. The MFU prioritizes supporting cooperatives, ensuring fair markets, and opposing Project 2025.

A delegation from Carlton County attended the MFU convention Nov. 22-24. It comprised chairman Mark Thell, a Wrenshall meat producer; delegate Dan Reed, who was recently elected to the Carlton County board of commissioners; and delegate Sandy Dugan, a local landowner. The assembly included 169 delegates from 50 units statewide. During the course of policy discussions, there are pauses to hear brief speeches by prominent politicians. This year, the assembly welcomed U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar via Zoom and, in person, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, Minnesota State Rep. Paul Torkelson, Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, Minnesota Agriculture commissioner Thom Petersen, USDA Farm Service administrator Zach Ducheneaux, and others. The general message from speakers was that in the wake of the recent election, farmers will see major changes in policy, especially at the national level, but that agriculture has many allies. Commissioner-elect Reed used the occasion to lobby Sen. Smith on a local matter; he also introduced a successful resolution to oppose tariffs mentioned in Project 2025.

Recent legislative efforts by MFU have led to significant steps toward affordable health care, sustainable farming practices and, especially, support for meat processing. In July of this year, when a meat processing facility in Starbuck, Minnesota, burned down, producers were not forced to wait weeks and go four hours away for service; a facility 35 miles away was able to quickly take up the slack. From the pandemic experience four years ago, MFU worked persistently to move the legislature to bring about school and college programs, apprenticeships, grants and more. These initiatives are developing a work force and facilities in rural areas where cows, pigs, sheep, turkeys, and chickens can be slaughtered, butchered, and prepared for sale under rigorous inspection.

MFU and other farmer groups carry on a significant tradition of working together to benefit their own interests as well as the greater good.

John Sanford "Sandy" Dugan has great interest in farm issues. He lives in Wrenshall. Contact him with story ideas at john

[email protected].