Grainnet

Rapid City, SD—The 2010 National Farmers Union (NFU) annual convention opened Sunday, March 15, 2010, in Rapid City, S.D., with more than 500 registered guests from across the country.

The convention, themed, “Looking to our Roots, Growing Tomorrow’s Solutions,” is the focal point for NFU members to define the focus of the organization’s work.

NFU President Roger Johnson took the stage during the opening banquet, delivering the State of the Farmers Union address.

NFU has been representing farmers and ranchers and rural America for more than 100 years, and has set a priority to increase its membership, reaching out to all agriculturalists – no matter the size, scope or method of production.

“We are an organization that represents all family farmers and ranchers across this country,” said Johnson.

“And we are very proud of that.”

The foundation of the Farmers Union, a triangle focused on education, legislation and cooperation, serves as the basis of the organization’s work.

“NFU will stay true to the foundation as depicted in the NFU triangle.

"We will begin with educating members of Congress and the general public on the importance of many issues and the need for a change in legislation,” said Johnson.

Johnson reviewed the successes of the previous year and looked ahead to the issues American farmers and ranchers will face in the days to come.

With policy adoption on the delegation’s agenda, the annual convention serves as the cornerstone event in deciding NFU’s policy positions.

“It is the grassroots of this organization that writes the policy and gives us (NFU staff) guidance,” said Johnson.

Johnson challenged the membership to get involved not only on the national level, but with their state organizations.

The convention will continue through Tuesday afternoon, with a lineup of guest speakers and breakout sessions to educate members and gather insight that will shape the organization’s structure and direction.

“We have good solutions.

"Let’s go make it happen,” Johnson said.

For more information, call 202-314-3191.

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• NFU

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