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National Farmers Bylsma Focuses On Federal Milk Market Hearing Results
(CORALVILLE, Iowa) March 20, 2024—At National Farmers Convene ’24 last week, Dick Bylsma, National Sales Director and authority on the Federal Milk Marketing Order System updated members on the Federal Milk Order hearings that…
Beef and Dairy Cattle Genomic Testing Discussed At National Farmers Convene ’24
(CORALVILLE, Iowa) March 19, 2024—At National Farmers Convene ’24 last week, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach beef program specialist Patrick Wall discussed with convention attendees genomic testing of beef…
At National Farmers Convene ’24, Soil Health, Carbon Insets Addressed
(CORALVILLE, Iowa) March 19, 2024—At National Farmers Convene ’24 last week, improving soil health to help farmers deal with changing climate conditions and carbon intensity was addressed. Carolyn King, vice president, Continuum Ag…
At National Farmers Convene ’24, Salvador Predicts Delay For New Farm Bill
(CORALVILLE, Iowa) March 18, 2024—At National Farmers Convene ’24 last week, Ricardo Salvador, senior scientist and director of the Food and Environment program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, gave convention attendees an update on the Farm Bill. Salvador believes it is…
National Farmers Re-elects President Olson, Names Hayes Vice President
(CORALVILLE, Iowa) March 18, 2024—At National Farmers Convene ’24 last week, officer and board election results from mail-in ballots were announced to members. Paul Olson, Taylor, Wisconsin was re-elected as president, and Jim Hayes, a dairy farmer from Columbus, Wisconsin was elected vice president…
Going High Tech
From the road, Wendlandt Farms of Paynesville, Minnesota looks like a typical farm with crop fields and covered barns for cattle. But step through the door of the new slat barn built in 2022 and you just might run into Victor. Victor isn’t a person, a steer, or even a dog – it’s a Lely Vector robot…
National Farmers’ Bylsma Testifies at Federal Milk Marketing Hearings
National Federal Milk Marketing Order Pricing Formula Hearings were convened multiple times in 2023. National Farmers Director of Milk Sales, Dick Bylsma cross examined Mr. Eric Metzger, General Manager of National All-Jersey Inc. on the third day of the Federal Order hearings August 25…
Former National Farmers Leaders Pass Away
Leander Wagner, Elko, Minnesota passed away November 4. He was 88 years old. Wagner inspired multiple generations of farmers to join the organization through his decades of involvement. He was a former member of National Farmers board of directors, and was active in Knights of Columbus and the…
National Farmers Convene ’24 set for March 12 and 13 in Coralville, Iowa
(AMES, Iowa) February 15, 2024—National Farmers members will convene March 12-13 in Coralville, Iowa, to listen to nationally recognized speakers about the possibilities of a new Farm Bill this year, address changing ag weather conditions by improving…
America’s Farm Bill
A collective virtual sigh of relief in rural America occurred when the current Farm Bill was extended last November. The real work has already begun to craft legislation for a new Farm Bill in 2024. Both House and Senate ag committees point out…
Pursley’s Persevere
With our fingertips and technology, we reach across the planet, able to talk to and see people in every remote corner of the earth. We jump in our vehicles, and hit the road — hungry? We swing into a drive-through for a hot meal. Tired? We sleep safely in a hotel with a comfy bed and hot shower…
Shultz, Neaton Announce Bid for President, Vice President
It’s been a privilege to serve as vice-president of National Farmers Organization. Wendy and I are second generation NFO members. Her parents joined in 1970. We moved to the ranch in 1990. When we bought our first 20 cows, we became members and I began promoting NFO. Two years later, I became…
Members Vote In Favor of Reorganizing National Farmers Board of Directors
The first-ever member vote-by-mail measure results have been tabulated by RSM, National Farmers’ provider of auditing services. National Board Member Dennis Bradley, Membership Director Judy Krier and Human Resources Director Shelly Osier observed the vote counting procedure. The voting results…
Convene ’24
The National Farmers annual winter meeting is coming to Coralville, Iowa on March 12-13. The Hyatt Regency Hotel will host the event, and room rates are just $119 for one King or two Queen beds if members make their reservation by February. 19. Parking is included. “National Farmers held…
President’s Message
I’m writing this President’s Message on the last day of September, which happens to also be the last day of our fiscal year. I will touch on that later in my message. The recent threat of a government shutdown was kicked down the road 45 days, but concern continues in the country. I am proud that…
Future National Farmers FARM Manager Meets with Midwest Producers and Field Reps
Helping dairy farmers meet and exceed state and federal regulations and passing inspections with flying colors, our representatives help producers troubleshoot potential issues with equipment, water quality and storage. Dairy staff members also help them navigate animal health and environmental regulations…
Dairy Marketing Signals
As you know, our marketing group works hard every day to find the best markets for your milk. We never forget that those markets determine how well you do financially. There is another part of making sure you are treated fairly that only happens every few years—Federal Milk Marketing Order…
Cattle Marketing Signals
I have many conversations with producers over the course of a week about risk management and what levels they should be pricing their production. We always talk about supply, for which the USDA provides data. Then we speculate about demand, and it’s just that, speculation about how high prices can go before…
Grain Marketing Signals
The Risk Management Agency began tracking harvest prices on Oct 1, using the December Futures for corn and November Futures for soybeans. Right now, especially corn prices are down quite a bit from the $5.91 Spring base prices, so this could be one of those years that you may collect on a claim without having…
A Passion for Dairy
Anyone who farms knows success takes dedication with some good luck sprinkled in. That might be especially true when it comes to dairy farming. As a young dairy farmer in Hixton, Wisconsin, Matt…
Olson and Hayes Announce Bid for President and Vice President
Olson, Hayes Announce Bid for President, Vice President By Paul Olson This is my official announcement that I am seeking another term as president of National Farmers Organization. My current term...
Improved Quantity of Beef and Dairy Tackled by Artificial Intelligence
For a century, researchers have tracked genetic traits to find out which cattle produce more and better milk and meat. Now, two University of Florida scientists will use artificial intelligence to…
Food Webs Provide Additional Marketing Opportunities
Mike Schulist, National Farmers Organization organic grain field representative, believes food webs will provide additional marketing opportunities for National Farmers members. That’s why he…
Dairy Marketing Signals
From the founding of our nation up to the 1950s, agriculture received a lot of political attention. A majority of the people were farmers and ample food was a top priority. Then, as agriculture’s…