By Hannah Ruth Tabler, NFU Intern Animals are an essential part of many farms; however, gone unchecked they can potentially be a route for produce contamination. The FDA’s new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has a number of rules, but the Produce Safety Rule directly discusses animals on-farm. It sets forth guidelines for growers … Read More
Month: February 2018
New Free Tool Available to Iowa Farmers to Improve Conservation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 27, 2018 Contact: Leah Ellensohn, 712-541-3493 lellensohn@nfudc.org WASHINGTON – Iowa farmers and ranchers interested in improving their working lands conservation efforts—and thereby improving topsoil and nutrient retention, as well as safeguarding Iowa’s waterways—have a new, free tool available to them through National Farmers Union (NFU) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service … Read More
Standing Tall Together Against Opioid Misuse
By Anne Hazlett, Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development, USDA No one comes together during a crisis like the American farmer. From economic downturns to natural disasters, farmers and ranchers have faced them all and come out standing tall. We need that spirit of cooperation and perseverance now to face the deadly crisis of … Read More
Farm Groups Caution President Against Weakening RFS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 2018 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org WASHINGTON – Ahead of a Tuesday White House meeting on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), National Farmers Union (NFU) and five other prominent farm organizations are urging President Trump to avoid seeking changes that would weaken the nation’s premier biofuel policy. The meeting will … Read More
NFU Continues Excellence in Cooperative Education at College Conference on Cooperatives
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 23, 2018 Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106 ajerome@nfudc.org MINNEAPOLIS – Drawing on over 115 years of leadership in cooperative leadership and education, National Farmers Union (NFU) hosted 76 students in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last weekend for its annual College Conference on Cooperatives (CCOC). The three-day conference provides an interactive learning experience for American … Read More
Saving the Farm: The Need for Farm Advocates
By Joe Schroeder, Farm Advocate at Farm Aid Since 1985, Farm Aid has responded to farm crises on the individual, community, and national level. Farm Aid has long supported and held up farmers who face crises and the farm advocates who help them through get through the hard times. As Farm Aid’s farm advocate, my job … Read More
Is Your Farm Food Safe?
By Sherri Dugger, Indiana Farmers Union Indiana Farmers Union believes in building strong local and regional food systems. These food systems help farmers and food producers maintain strong and transparent relationships with their customers. They also contribute to resilient local economies, to rural development, and environmental sustainability. Did you know, for instance, that research shows … Read More
Access to Efficiency: 5 Reasons to Join Farmers Union
By Sherri Dugger, Indiana Farmers Union’s Media and Outreach Director, Co-Owner and Operator of Dugger Family Farm I was an easy sell. When I first met Rob Davies, the marketing manager for Indiana Farmers Union, in late 2016 at a local coffee shop in Danville, Indiana, it took him about 15 minutes to sell me on … Read More
Access to Efficiency: Seed Treatment
By Tom Driscoll, Director of NFU Foundation and Conservation Policy Beginning farmers who grow grains know that the time between planting and emergence in the field can be perilous for their crops. Pathogens in the soil or on seeds can overtake or impair the growth of a seedling, damaging yields and – ultimately – profitability. … Read More
What Can Farmers Do About Climate Change? Meeting Paris Agreement Goals
By Janan Lenzy, NFU Intern The Paris Climate Agreement was constructed within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December of 2015. Adopted by consensus, the agreement aims to maintain “a global temperature rise” of less than 2 degrees Celsius or 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving … Read More
12