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NFU Remembers Senator McGovern
This week, NFU paused to reflect on the illustrious career of former Senator George McGovern of South Dakota, who passed away Oct. 21, 2012.
“From his South Dakota farm roots, to the U.S. Senate, and later as ambassador of the United Nation’s Agencies on Food and Agriculture, Senator McGovern spent his life as a tireless champion of agriculture, nutrition and rural America,” said NFU President Roger Johnson.
McGovern served as the honorary co-chair of the NFU Foundation and was recognized with NFU’s Meritorious Service Award for his humanitarian efforts in 2003.
Before he launched his political career, the South Dakota native was one of World War II’s great heroes. As a pilot in Europe, he flew 35 missions and received the Distinguished Service Flying Cross. He later earned a Ph.D. at Northwestern University and returned to South Dakota to be a college history professor.
While in the Senate, McGovern served on the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. Virtually all major farm legislation during his Senate term bears his mark. He furthered agricultural discussion in his book, Agricultural Thought in the 20th Century.
In 1998, McGovern returned to public service when he was appointed the U.S. Director of the U.N. Agencies on Food and Agriculture-an ambassadorial post in Rome, Italy.
“Although he is gone, the Senator’s inspiration and enthusiasm for improving the lives of working people, rural citizens and those in need will carry on for generations to come.”
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Around the States
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Hawai’i Farmers Union Convention
NFU President Roger Johnson speaks to Hawai’i Farmers Union United (HFUU) members on Oct. 22 during the annual Hawai’i Farmers Union Convention. While there, President Johnson met with members, participated in strategic meetings and toured various farms around the island. |
Check back next week for more coverage of Farmers Union state conventions that take place this week, including the Montana Farmers Union Convention (Oct. 26-27), the Michigan Farmers Union Convention (Oct. 27) and the Alaska Farmers Union Convention (Nov. 3).
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Need More 2012 Farm Bill Information?
Log on to www.nfu.org/farmbill for the latest information on the 2012 Farm Bill. It includes both the House and Senate version of the bills and many farm bill resources, along with letters, news releases, and testimony that NFU has done about the legislation. |
What’s New on the NFU Blog
Don’t forget to check out NFU’s blog at www.nfu.org/blog. We will use this space to encourage dialogue about Farmers Union events throughout the country, education and outreach, our members, cooperative development and issues that impact U.S. family farmers, ranchers, fishermen and their communities.
Oct. 24, 2012 Every Day is Food Day for Family Farmers and Ranchers |
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NFU Education Activities and Opportunities
 Farmers Union members were out in full force at the National FFA Convention, which took place in Indianapolis, Ind. this week. In the photo above, Indiana Farmers Union members Mike Buis and Maureen Shirely talk with conference attendees at the NFU booth. More than 55,000 student members of FFA and their teachers from throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands attended the event, now in its 85th year.Annie’s Sustainable Agriculture Scholarships
Annie’s Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship Program Available
Annie’s Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship Program is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students studying at an accredited two- or four-year college or graduate school. The program offers a total of $100,000 in funds to students studying sustainable agriculture.
Applications must be postmarked by December 15, 2012.
http://www.annies.com/our-practices/farming/agricultural-scholarships/apply/
Career Day in Wisconsin
Nearly 80 students and educators from La Farge, Kickapoo and Hillsboro High Schools attended the 2012 Vernon County Co-op Career Day, Tuesday, Oct. 16. Sponsored by Wisconsin Farmers Union and the Vernon County Cooperative Association with overall support from the CHS Foundation, the event was held at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve in La Farge, Wisconsin and featured co-op and credit union speakers as well as a lunch and building tour hosted by CROPP/Organic Valley.
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Free Webinar: Confined Spaces of Grain Bin Entry
Confined Spaces of Grain Bin Entry
Friday, November 9, 2012 – 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, CST
Dan Neenan, Director of National Education Center for Agricultural Safety & EMS Program Director, will be presenting a webinar on confined spaces of grain bin entry. Identifying hazards associated with confined space work in the grain industry, understanding the process for confined space entry and lock out procedures, OSHA references and resources, and confined space housekeeping procedures will be among the objectives discussed.
The webinar will take place on Friday, November 9, 2012, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., CST.
Space is limited. Please visit https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/857021878 to reserve your webinar seat. |
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Join Farmers Union Members to Help Feed America’s Hungry
NFU and Feeding America have partnered for the second year to help fight hunger throughout the United States with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
For the second consecutive year, the foundation has pledged matching funds up to $50,000. According to Feeding America, one in six Americans struggles with hunger, including one-fifth of all children.
All member-driven donations go to food banks that serve hungry people in their communities. Feeding America’s more than 200 member food banks serve 61,000 agencies across the United States that addresses hunger through emergency food assistance and programs.
Through Buffet’s challenge, every dollar donated helps provide $17 worth of food and groceries to Americans in need. With the Buffett Foundation’s matching grant, NFU members will see that number double to $34. If Farmers Union members can reach the goal set of $50,000, it will provide $1.7 million worth of food.
Click here to find out how you can help! The campaign concludes on Dec. 15, 2012. |
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NFU Partners with Home Grown Cow
NFU is teaming up with Home Grown Cow to provide farmers and ranchers with an opportunity to market certain products directly to consumers. Home Grown Cow also gives consumers an opportunity to browse products by location and farming style.
Visit Home Grown Cow’s website at www.homegrowncow.com. |
Farm Price Barometer
September 2012
Current Parity % of
Commodity Price Price Parity
Crops
Barley (bushel)……………..5.76………..12.70……….51
Corn (bushel)…………….. .7.35………..12.10……….61
Cotton, Upland (lb) ………0.723………..2.10……….34
Flaxseed (bushel)………. .13.10……….32.10………41
Oats (bushel)………………..3.75………..7.66……….49
Peanuts (lb)…………………0.353………0.758………47
Rice (cwt)…………………..14.60……….42.50………34
Sorghum Grain (cwt)…….12.20……….21.20………58
Soybeans (bushel)…………16.30………29.10……..56
Wheat (bushel)……………..8.49……….18.50………46
Livestock
Cattle (cwt)………………120.00……….294.00………41
Hogs (cwt)…………………57.10……….161.00………35
Dairy/Poultry
Eggs, (dozen)………………1.23………..2.65………..46
Milk, All (cwt)………….. ..19.10……….52.50……….35
*Lamb and manufacturing milk prices are one month behind all other prices in this analysis.
** Egg Prices are Mid-month in this analysis.
Taken from “Agricultural Prices,” USDA/NASS. |
 NFU in the News
National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson and staff work with the media to be ensure NFU and its members’ voices are heard throughout the media. For the latest NFU-related news and interviews, please visit
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