USDA Launches Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass

March 1, 2012Blog

By Brittany Jablonsky, NFU government relations representative Yesterday the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food (KYF) Compass, an interactive web-based document and map highlighting USDA support for local and regional food projects and successful producer, business and community case studies. The KYF Compass is a digital guide to USDA … Read More

Year of the Co-op

February 12, 2012Blog

By Maria Miller, NFU education director “Cooperatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility. “ – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Successful cooperatives have been around for a long time. Some Farmers Union oil and elevator co-ops are celebrating more than 80 years … Read More

Mutual Respect Across Agriculture

February 12, 2012Blog

By Maria Miller, NFU education director It has never been easy for young people to begin farming and ranching. Each generation of farmers lack credit, affordable and available access to land, a depth of experience, and, sometimes, support from their hometown communities and families.  It’s tough enough for to put down roots when taking over … Read More

Hawaii-Style Agriculture

January 12, 2012Blog

By Chandler Goule, NFU vice president of government relations When Bill Greenleaf met me at the airport we both said hello and immediately we were both on the phone with income calls. As we proceeded away from the airport to the beautiful mountains, Bill explained to mehis past life as a PGA golf pro. I … Read More

What’s not cool about COOL?

January 11, 2012Blog

By Mike Stranz, NFU government relations representative We’re all used to seeing labels on everyday products that tell us where that item was produced. It’s almost a reflex to look for that information. Given how basic that information seems to be, it is startling to realize that Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) wasn’t required on … Read More

Halfway to Our Goal With Feeding America

December 20, 2011Blog

By Tony Jarboe, NFU communications coordinator It is the holiday season, and for many, that means giving gifts, spending time with family, and eating lots of food. Unfortunately, for 37 million hungry Americans, the holiday season means little more than just searching for the next meal. That is why NFU has partnered with Feeding America … Read More

Buy Fresh; Eat Local Recipes

December 6, 2011Blog

By Maria Miller, NFU education director Here is the second in a series of recipes from the NFU Beginning Farmer Institute Class of 2011 using an ingredient they raise on the farm.  This comes to you fresh from the Erin Schneider farm in Wisconsin. Salsa Verde 1 1/2 cup tomatillo (slightly roasted) 1/2 cup onion … Read More

New Labor Rules Must Allow Children to Continue Learning About Agriculture

December 6, 2011Blog

By Tony Jarboe, NFU communications coordinator Last week NFU submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Labor regarding proposed revisions for the child labor regulations. While child safety is a top priority for NFU, we must be careful not to tighten regulations to the point that it discourages young workers from helping out on the … Read More

Horse: It’s NOT What’s for Dinner

December 5, 2011Blog

By Tony Jarboe, NFU communications coordinator The agriculture appropriations bill signed by President Obama shortly before Thanksgiving contained a little-known provision that allowed funding to be used to inspect horse slaughterhouses. The inspections were defunded in 2006, meaning that horse meat could no longer legally be sold in the U.S. A June report by the … Read More

Down But Not Forgotten, the Fight for Competition Continues

November 18, 2011Blog

By Mike Stranz, NFU government relations representative It has been a rough two weeks for fairness and competition in livestock and poultry markets. Decision makers in the nation’s capitol have turned their backs to the voices of independent farmers and ranchers who have tried to make their voices heard in support of the Grain Inspection … Read More