About 20 members of Minnesota Farmers Union participated in the National Farmers Union Fall Legislative Fly-in that brought more than 250 members from across the nation to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers and other leaders to advocate for passage of a farm bill, passing permanent disaster relief and investing in local and regional food procurement.
“Our members met with Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, Reps. Angie Craig, Kelly Morrison and Betty McCollum and aides for Reps. Tom Emmer, Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach, Ilhan Omar, and Pete Stauber. In addition, they met with officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Justice and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “Thank you to all the policymakers, legislative leaders and staff members who took the time to meet with us. It is important to continue the dialogue as our members return to their farms to harvest the crops that will feed, fuel and clothe us. No matter what their crop, farmers find joy in growing a product to share with their customers, be they down the road or around the world. I am hopeful that members of Congress will reach across the political divide and pass a farm bill that supports farmers, families and rural communities.”
The 2018 farm bill expired in September 2023. It was extended to Sept. 30, 2024, and again to Sept. 30, 2025. The farm bill funds a variety of farm, food and economic development programs, including crop insurance, nutrition and rural development, credit and energy.
The House Agriculture Committee passed a farm bill in 2024, but it wasn’t heard on the House floor. The Senate produced a framework that didn’t advance. Several parts of the farm bill were included in HR1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by the president in July. However, the sections not included in HR1 expire at the end of this month.
“Farm country is facing a crisis, and America’s family farmers and ranchers need their elected representatives to listen to the challenges they’re facing and take action,” said NFU President Rob Larew in a news release. “Farmers are earning less than ever, consumers are paying more, and corporate profits are soaring. Our members are here to remind Congress not to leave farmers and ranchers behind.”
“It’s important for family farmers to show up and share their stories when it comes to not only the next farm bill but also other government actions. Decisions made by the administration and Congress impact what we do on the farm every day, and it’s important for policymakers to hear directly from the people impacted by their decisions,” said MFU Vice President Anne Schwagerl. “A sincere thank you to all the members who took time away from their families and farms to attend fly-in; your action is important and appreciated.”
The Fall Legislative Fly-in was held Sept. 8-10.
