Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union November 29, 2005
11/30/2005
Here is a convention round-up:
Excellent turnout for annual convention
MFU saw one of the largest turnouts of members and delegates for the annual convention held November 19th and 20th in Minneapolis. MFU President Doug Peterson and VP Dennis Sjodin were both unanimously re-elected by the body to two-year terms. President Peterson updated the members on a successful year at the State Fair, Farmfest, the Legislature, and summer camp program. Delegates also heard and accepted a very positive financial report. Delegates also heard from NFU Gov’t Relations Director Tom Buis who announced he is running for President of NFU to replace the retiring Dave Frederickson.
Policy highlights
MFU members considered and made over 50 changes to MFU policy during the policy discussion session of the convention. Among the changes to the policy the delegate voted to support:
-Support extending the Federal Farm bill for one year.
-Support reinstatement of the MILC program.
-Oppose the use of foreign bio based fuels.
-Oppose the plan to change the definition of milk.
-Support strengthening private property rights when dealing with eminent domain.
-Support allowing 1031 exchange $$ to be used for value-added agriculture investment.
-Support establishment of a farmer owned renewable energy reserve.
-Oppose privatization of the National Animal ID program (NAIS).
-Oppose closing FSA county offices.
-Support a streamlined FSA Ag credit process for beginning farmer with adequate funding.
-Oppose the repeal of the current estate tax law.
-Support an increase in the state gas tax.
-Support that all vehicles sold in the USA be flex fuel by 2008.
-Support a Renewable Energy Standard (RES).
-Support research to make manure digesters profitable for smaller operations.
-Support investigation into fuel price manipulation.
These are just some of the changes look for a full listing in an upcoming edition of Minnesota Agriculture.
Deputy Ag Commissioner Aasness addresses delegates
Minnesota Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Perry Aasness http://www.mda.state.mn.us/ spoke to the delegates representing the Pawlenty administration. Gov. Pawlenty and Commissioner Hugoson had been invited, but were returning from their visit to China. Aasness spoke about the China trip and thanked MFU for their involvement in many issues such as ethanol, biodiesel, organic, animal ID, nutrients, and impaired waters that MFU staff and members have worked with the Department on in the past year.
Governor Candidates speak to delegates
MFU delegates heard from five of the candidates challenging Governor Pawlenty in the election next year. First was Kelly Doran http://www.kellydoran.com who spoke about a Governor taking leadership on issues saying he would have strongly opposed CAFTA. Next it was Attorney General Mike Hatch http://www.hatch2006.org/ who spoke about shrinking middle class and the need for Minnesota to once again be a leader in health care. On Sunday the first candidate to speak was State Senator Steve Kelley http://www.kelleyforminnesota.org/ who spoke to the delegates about renewable energy and the fact that the new Governor shapes state agencies such as the Dept. of Ag. Sen. Becky Lourey http://www.beckylourey.com/ followed Kelley and reminded delegates that she has been a member of MFU for nearly 30 years, lives on a farm and has farmed, and that it would be great to have a Governor who has farmed and comes from a rural community. The last speaker was Peter Hutchinson https://www.hutchinsonforminnesota.com/secure-index.htm an Independent candidate for Governor who talked about his candidacy what he called his “Declaration of Independence”.
Breakout sessions held
MFU held three breakout sessions this year at the convention; one on dairy issues where members discussed the Dairy Investment Tax Credit, MILC, and MPC’s. The second was a renewable energy discussion led by Rep. Aaron Peterson and the third was a session about Medicare Part D put on by Minnesota Farmers Union Insurance. MFU welcomes suggestions for ideas for next year’s breakouts.
National delegates selected
MFU members also elected delegates to the National Farmers Union Convention March 3rd to the 6th in Denver, Colorado. Congrats to:
District 1 Delegate: Pam Pederson, Mahnomen Co. Alternate: Adeline Woolscraft, Clearwater Co.
District 2 Delegate: Christa Williamson, Kandiyohi Co. Alternate: John Schmidt, Lac Qui Parle Co.
District 3 Delegate: Tim Henning, Nobles Co. Alternate: Lowell Grams, Sibley Co.
District 4 Delegate: Lee Johnston, Morrison Co. Alternate: Curt Wegner, Stearns Co.
District 5 Delegate: John Thormodson, Blue Earth Co. Alternate: Philip Brase, Waseca Co.
MN Farm PAC
MFU members also helped raise record amounts for the MN Farmers Union PAC at a reception held on Saturday night before the banquet. Rep. Colin Peterson was a guest speaker at the event which attracted a full house. Also in attendance were Candidates for Congress Colleen Rowley, El Tinklenberg, and Tim Walz, State Auditor Candidates Reggie Edwards and Rebecca Otto, and Mark Ritchie a candidate for Secretary of State. Many State legislators also stopped by including Reps. Entenza, Hilty, Aaron Peterson, Eken, Koenen, Otremba, Moe, and Bernardy as well as Sens. Kubly and Chaudhary.
Banquet
MFU members heard from retiring NFU President and Minnesota native Dave Frederickson, President Doug Peterson, youth torchbearers were recognized, and a lifetime achievement award was presented to Harold and Delores Windingstad form Lac Qui Parle County. Former NFO President Gene Paul, who is now a deacon in the Catholic Church, gave the invocation for the meal that featured food raised by MFU members. The main event was a forum of US Senate candidates who are seeking to replace the retiring Sen. Mark Dayton. Rep. Mark Kennedy http://www.markkennedy06.com/ turned down MFU’s offer to appear saying he was “out of the state”, but banquet attendees heard from Amy Klobuchar http://www.amyklobuchar.com/ , Patty Wetterling http://pattywetterling.com/ and Ford Bell http://www.fordbell.com/ who talked about their ideas for agriculture and rural communities. The forum was emceed by Mpls. Star Tribune editorial writer Lori Sturdevant.
National Farmers Union opposes cuts
NFU was very disappointed with the recent vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to cut the Federal Ag budget by nearly $4 billion dollars. GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad joined DFLers Oberstar, Peterson, McCollum and Sabo in opposing the cuts. Rep. Mark Kennedy was one of last to cast a deciding vote when he voted with Rep. Kline and Gutknecht to cut the budget. To read more of NFU release checkout: http://www.nfu.org/newsroom_news_release.cfm?id=1371
Upcoming events:
MFU will have booths and be attending several events in the next couple of weeks among them:
-69th annual Minnesota Assoc. of Soil and Water Conservation Districts annual meeting December 4th to the 6th at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel in Bloomington.
-Midwest Dairy Expo at the St. Cloud Civic Center December 6th and 7th in St. Cloud.
-23rd annual Rural Legislative forum Friday December 9th at the South Central College Conference Center in North Mankato which runs from 9:00 to 3:00.
That is all for now, as usual questions, comments and complaints to me!
Thom Petersen, Director of Government Relations, MN Farmers Union
Thom Petersen
Director of Government Relations
Minnesota Farmers Union
600 County Road D West #14
St. Paul, MN 55112
(651) 288-4067