The 124th National Farmers Union Convention got underway on Saturday in New Orleans. Rob Larew noted the annual event brought together hundreds of family farmers and ranchers to discuss current concerns and the future of the industry.
“How can we create Farm Bills, for example, in the future that are actually going to be helpful and serve the needs of today? And so, we have a strong lineup of folks to talk about current conditions. What we could look forward to in the future. And hopefully, on the side, there, also have a little bit of fun.”
During the kickoff, Larew presented his State of the Farmers Union Address, talking about the ag industry’s challenges and the priorities of the organization. He said they focused a lot of time and effort on hearing from the boots on the ground to make sure the needs of everyday farmers were being addressed.
“When they step up, and they come into a Farmers Union space, they learn from their neighbors and from other family farmers and ranchers that those issues are often repeated down the road with your neighbors, and that when they get together, and they talk about what needs to happen, there’s a lot of agreement. And then when they get together with the neighboring communities, that voice can rise even louder.”