By Alexis Dunnum, NFU Intern In the previous Climate Leaders post, we discussed the soil health benefits of no-till farming, and we will soon discuss strip-till, and mulch till. Although these practices vary slightly, something they all have in common is their use of crop residue, which comes from using cover crops. According to the … Read More
By Alexis Dunnum, NFU Intern Previous NFU Climate Column posts have explained that drought and erosion from extreme precipitation are anticipated to become more prevalent if the planet continues to heat up. When tilling is avoided, the organic matter within the soil can attract and retain water. This ensures proper hydration for the plant, even during dry … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 21, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (October 21, 2016) – As the weakened farm economy continues to take a toll on family farmers and ranchers, National Farmers Union (NFU) is criticizing meatpackers for driving down prices for independent beef producers. Data released last week showed that family cow-calf producers … Read More
The Franklin County Pumpkinfest in Turners Falls has grown over the last 10 years to become a signature event leading up to Halloween, for those in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. Roughly 10,000 residents turn up on Avenue A to see the lit-up jack-o-lanterns and the costumes. New England Farmers Union is proud to have … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 19, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (October 19, 2016) – Representatives of National Farmers Union (NFU) appealed to international policymakers this week, requesting that the perspective of family farmers and ranchers be better represented in the global food security and nutrition arena. NFU Vice President of International Relations Dave … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 17, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (October 17, 2016) – Effective today, the White House’s new proposals on the Presidential Policy Directive on Cuba present a major step towards improved trade relations with Cuba. In response to the administration’s action, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson released the … Read More
By Tom Driscoll, NFU Director of Conservation Policy and Education USDA’s report Climate Change and Agriculture in the United States: Effects and Adaptation states that “Climate change presents an unprecedented challenge to the adaptive capacity of U.S. agriculture. Current climate change effects are increasing the complexity and uncertainty of agricultural management.” NFU’s blog has highlighted many … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 14, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (October 14, 2016) – Following months of progress on the long-awaited Farmer Fair Practices Rules from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), which would provide needed contract protections for livestock producers and poultry growers, National Farmers … Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 14, 2016 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON (October 14, 2016) – As U.S. dairy producers are facing the business-crippling burden of multi-year price lows, National Farmers Union (NFU) praised several lawmakers for their support of critically needed assistance for the nation’s dairy sector. Two letters, championed by Sens. Patrick Leahy … Read More
By Tom Driscoll, NFU Director of Conservation Policy and Education Through the Climate Column posts to date, NFU has been pointing out the challenges to ensuring food security that farmers face as climate change impacts the natural systems upon which they rely to grow food. Farmers’ dependence on these systems places them among the first … Read More