Minnesota Farmers Union
@mnfarmersunion.bsky.social
A grassroots, member-driven organization working to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers, ranchers, and rural residents.
“With so much uncertainty, and a hard-won skepticism that politicians will make decisions quickly or pass new legislation, a lot of farmers are in for difficult conversations with their bankers in the coming months.”
As Struggling Farmers Take On Debt, a Bailout From D.C. May Come Too Late
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:33 PM
“With so much uncertainty, and a hard-won skepticism that politicians will make decisions quickly or pass new legislation, a lot of farmers are in for difficult conversations with their bankers in the coming months.”
When Minnesotans turn on their kitchen faucets, the water quality might be tied to the health of regional farmland. Some farmers just finished planting seeds that help tie it all together…”
Learn more about cover crops:
Learn more about cover crops:
Farming, water quality solution in MN fits in palm of your hand
When Minnesotans turn on their kitchen faucets, the water quality might be tied to the health of regional farmland. Some farmers just finished planting seeds that help tie it all
app.publicnewsservice.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:14 PM
When Minnesotans turn on their kitchen faucets, the water quality might be tied to the health of regional farmland. Some farmers just finished planting seeds that help tie it all together…”
Learn more about cover crops:
Learn more about cover crops:
"The Smude family is no stranger to starting businesses and they're experts at finding innovative ways to use every part of the sunflower seed."
When one door closed, the Smude family opened another for sunflower oil
The Smude family is no stranger to starting businesses and they're experts at finding innovative ways to use every part of the sunflower seed.
www.pineandlakes.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:35 PM
"The Smude family is no stranger to starting businesses and they're experts at finding innovative ways to use every part of the sunflower seed."
"I have a strong passion for keeping the soil in place and helping farmers farm. It’s urgent work that needs to be done, and we need more conservation practices on the landscape. I have dedicated myself to working on that."
🔗: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/
🔗: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/
October 22, 2025 at 6:07 PM
"I have a strong passion for keeping the soil in place and helping farmers farm. It’s urgent work that needs to be done, and we need more conservation practices on the landscape. I have dedicated myself to working on that."
🔗: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/
🔗: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/
MFU President Gary Wertish: “The $10 billion to $12 billion, the farmers need it. There's no doubt. But it's kind of been self-inflicted by the current president's policies. So that's a little frustrating as a farmer.”
Gov. Walz, MN agricultural leaders touch on Trump's promised farmer bailout
Farmers are looking for help — and fast — amid President Trump's trade war but many questions remain.
www.kare11.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:57 PM
MFU President Gary Wertish: “The $10 billion to $12 billion, the farmers need it. There's no doubt. But it's kind of been self-inflicted by the current president's policies. So that's a little frustrating as a farmer.”
"I want farmers to know that everyone is in the same boat. We’re all dealing with different weather challenges, and economic and market challenges, so we’re all in it together.”
🔗: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight
🔗: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight
October 9, 2025 at 3:33 PM
"I want farmers to know that everyone is in the same boat. We’re all dealing with different weather challenges, and economic and market challenges, so we’re all in it together.”
🔗: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight
🔗: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight
MFU President Gary Wertish: "The shutdown comes as farmers begin to harvest. They need to know now they can count on not only USDA but other agencies. The last thing we need now is more uncertainty”
Minnesota union leaders and politicians react to federal government shutdown
The government shutdown is impacting people all across the nation, including the 18,000 federal employees working in Minnesota.
www.kare11.com
October 3, 2025 at 4:11 PM
MFU President Gary Wertish: "The shutdown comes as farmers begin to harvest. They need to know now they can count on not only USDA but other agencies. The last thing we need now is more uncertainty”
The Farm & Forest Growers Cooperative aims to advance the resilience of our forests by offering tree species that are genetically adapted to thrive in warmer climates and survive new pest pressure accompanying the warmer conditions.
Learn more: climatesmarttrees.com
Learn more: climatesmarttrees.com
October 2, 2025 at 8:21 PM
The Farm & Forest Growers Cooperative aims to advance the resilience of our forests by offering tree species that are genetically adapted to thrive in warmer climates and survive new pest pressure accompanying the warmer conditions.
Learn more: climatesmarttrees.com
Learn more: climatesmarttrees.com
MFU President Gary Wertish was at the Minnesota Capitol today to call for the reversal of healthcare cuts and the extension of tax credits that help make health coverage affordable for farm families.
October 1, 2025 at 6:20 PM
MFU President Gary Wertish was at the Minnesota Capitol today to call for the reversal of healthcare cuts and the extension of tax credits that help make health coverage affordable for farm families.
“A Minnesota family is sharing their experience of tragedy to encourage fellow farmers to stay safe around large machines and technology.”
Father and son who lost limbs in Minnesota farming accidents share message of farm safety
Bailers, combines, discs and grinders are part of farm life. Taking your time and treating those machines with respect can mean the difference between life and death.
www.cbsnews.com
September 26, 2025 at 1:05 PM
“A Minnesota family is sharing their experience of tragedy to encourage fellow farmers to stay safe around large machines and technology.”
“I spend a fair amount of time working on pasture-related items and I really do believe that pastures are almost always the most underutilized and unappreciated resources for most producers."
Read our full interview with Troy: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/
Read our full interview with Troy: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/
September 24, 2025 at 4:53 PM
“I spend a fair amount of time working on pasture-related items and I really do believe that pastures are almost always the most underutilized and unappreciated resources for most producers."
Read our full interview with Troy: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/
Read our full interview with Troy: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/
Yesterday, Farmers Union Enterprises (which is comprised of the Farmers Union organizations in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin) donated more than 20 pallets of ham, or about 35,000 pounds, to Second Harvest Heartland!
September 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Yesterday, Farmers Union Enterprises (which is comprised of the Farmers Union organizations in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin) donated more than 20 pallets of ham, or about 35,000 pounds, to Second Harvest Heartland!
"More than a big-name fundraising concert…Farm Aid is a flag that waves: Help is available. And it’s needed today as much as it was 40 years ago.”
How Farm Aid actually helps Minnesota farms
The 40-year-old organization’s fundraising concert is Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium, but the group also provides a crucial hotline and grants that are needed as much as ever by farmers in crisis...
www.startribune.com
September 22, 2025 at 6:18 PM
"More than a big-name fundraising concert…Farm Aid is a flag that waves: Help is available. And it’s needed today as much as it was 40 years ago.”
“The 40th anniversary concert comes at an auspicious time, as American farmers face perhaps the bleakest economic conditions since the 1980s farm crisis that spurred the first Farm Aid.”
Farm Aid Turns 40 and Returns to Crisis Mode
www.nytimes.com
September 19, 2025 at 4:43 PM
“The 40th anniversary concert comes at an auspicious time, as American farmers face perhaps the bleakest economic conditions since the 1980s farm crisis that spurred the first Farm Aid.”
"Farm Aid 40 comes to Minneapolis this week. It is more than a celebration of music and family farms. It is also a reminder that for the farmers who fuel our economy, enliven our communities and feed our state, these are daunting days...”
Learn more:
Learn more:
Opinion | As Farm Aid 40 comes to Minneapolis, Minnesota farmers face a new crisis
Farm Aid 40 is more than a celebration of music and family farms. "It is also a reminder that for the farmers who fuel our economy, enliven our communities and feed our state, these are daunting days,...
www.startribune.com
September 17, 2025 at 4:36 PM
"Farm Aid 40 comes to Minneapolis this week. It is more than a celebration of music and family farms. It is also a reminder that for the farmers who fuel our economy, enliven our communities and feed our state, these are daunting days...”
Learn more:
Learn more:
“Most of us got into farming so we could farm, not so we could make a balance sheet and do financial projections. But if we want to farm for the long haul, you have to know your finances.”
Read our full interview with Erik: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/
Read our full interview with Erik: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/
September 16, 2025 at 4:22 PM
“Most of us got into farming so we could farm, not so we could make a balance sheet and do financial projections. But if we want to farm for the long haul, you have to know your finances.”
Read our full interview with Erik: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/
Read our full interview with Erik: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight/
We are in Washington D.C. with Farmers Union members from across the country for @nfudc.bsky.social Fly-In to demand meaningful support for those who feed America. Family farmers are facing a crisis and we need Congress to act now.
September 9, 2025 at 1:25 PM
We are in Washington D.C. with Farmers Union members from across the country for @nfudc.bsky.social Fly-In to demand meaningful support for those who feed America. Family farmers are facing a crisis and we need Congress to act now.
"I would say one benefit of working with Centra Sota Co-op is you’re working with a team of people. We have the crop adviser, environmental services team, and a whole group of people working with us."
Read our full interview: mfu.org/conservation...
Read our full interview: mfu.org/conservation...
August 28, 2025 at 6:13 PM
"I would say one benefit of working with Centra Sota Co-op is you’re working with a team of people. We have the crop adviser, environmental services team, and a whole group of people working with us."
Read our full interview: mfu.org/conservation...
Read our full interview: mfu.org/conservation...
The @startribune.com gave two of Farmers Union Coffee Shop’s new Minnesota State Fair foods — the Bison Meatball Sub and the Strawberry Basil Lemonade — four stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read the reviews: www.startribune.com/we-tried-mor...
Read the reviews: www.startribune.com/we-tried-mor...
August 22, 2025 at 2:44 PM
The @startribune.com gave two of Farmers Union Coffee Shop’s new Minnesota State Fair foods — the Bison Meatball Sub and the Strawberry Basil Lemonade — four stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read the reviews: www.startribune.com/we-tried-mor...
Read the reviews: www.startribune.com/we-tried-mor...
@mspmag.bsky.social food writer @deardara.bsky.social picked Farmers Union Coffee Shop’s new Apple Glaze as one of the best new MN State Fair foods of 2025!
“…inarguably a perfect pastry.”
“…inarguably a perfect pastry.”
Dara's Picks: Best New Foods at the State Fair
Year of the s’more, year of Top the Tater, a year of such fun.
mspmag.com
August 22, 2025 at 2:35 PM
@mspmag.bsky.social food writer @deardara.bsky.social picked Farmers Union Coffee Shop’s new Apple Glaze as one of the best new MN State Fair foods of 2025!
“…inarguably a perfect pastry.”
“…inarguably a perfect pastry.”
A lot of familiar faces kicking off @mnstatefair 2025 at Farmers Union Coffee Shop! Thanks for starting your morning with us, @governorwalz.mn.gov, @amyklobuchar.com, @smith.senate.gov, and @peggyflanagan.bsky.social!
August 21, 2025 at 2:24 PM
A lot of familiar faces kicking off @mnstatefair 2025 at Farmers Union Coffee Shop! Thanks for starting your morning with us, @governorwalz.mn.gov, @amyklobuchar.com, @smith.senate.gov, and @peggyflanagan.bsky.social!
“Ready for State Fair Food? The Farmer’s Union Coffee Shop has you covered.
As the countdown to the fair begins, the Farmer’s Union Coffee shop previewed some of what it will be serving at this year’s Minnesota State Fair…”
📺 WATCH:
As the countdown to the fair begins, the Farmer’s Union Coffee shop previewed some of what it will be serving at this year’s Minnesota State Fair…”
📺 WATCH:
INTERVIEW: Farmer's Union Coffee Shop
Ready for State Fair Food? The Farmer's Union Coffee Shop has you covered.
kstp.com
August 17, 2025 at 8:53 PM
“Ready for State Fair Food? The Farmer’s Union Coffee Shop has you covered.
As the countdown to the fair begins, the Farmer’s Union Coffee shop previewed some of what it will be serving at this year’s Minnesota State Fair…”
📺 WATCH:
As the countdown to the fair begins, the Farmer’s Union Coffee shop previewed some of what it will be serving at this year’s Minnesota State Fair…”
📺 WATCH:
The Minnesota Cooperative Summit, held at the end of July, attracted a sell-out crowd of ~200 people and showcased the diversity of the cooperative model w/ speakers from agriculture, real estate, banking, grocery, childcare, healthcare, energy and more.
www.mncooperativesummit.org/
www.mncooperativesummit.org/
August 13, 2025 at 7:23 PM
The Minnesota Cooperative Summit, held at the end of July, attracted a sell-out crowd of ~200 people and showcased the diversity of the cooperative model w/ speakers from agriculture, real estate, banking, grocery, childcare, healthcare, energy and more.
www.mncooperativesummit.org/
www.mncooperativesummit.org/
“I’ve always appreciated the rural community. Agriculture feels like home to me, and I genuinely enjoy hearing farmers’ stories and learning what I can do to help them make the changes they’d like to see on their operations."
Read our full interview: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight
Read our full interview: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight
August 13, 2025 at 6:47 PM
“I’ve always appreciated the rural community. Agriculture feels like home to me, and I genuinely enjoy hearing farmers’ stories and learning what I can do to help them make the changes they’d like to see on their operations."
Read our full interview: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight
Read our full interview: mfu.org/conservation-advisor-spotlight
Yesteray, MFU Vice President Anne Schwagerl joined Senator Amy Klobuchar and Michael Fairbanks, chairman of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, in Waubun to tour B & T Meats. It was clear how critical they are to the community in Mahnomen County.
@amyklobuchar.com
@amyklobuchar.com
August 8, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Yesteray, MFU Vice President Anne Schwagerl joined Senator Amy Klobuchar and Michael Fairbanks, chairman of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, in Waubun to tour B & T Meats. It was clear how critical they are to the community in Mahnomen County.
@amyklobuchar.com
@amyklobuchar.com