Convention is Coming!

It’s November and we will soon gather in Greeley for the 119th Annual Convention! Here, we renew old friendships and build new ones, learn skills, hear from industry experts, raise money for our Foundation, and of course, carry out the business of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. 

There has been a great deal of groundwork completed already for carrying out that business. I would like to thank our Bylaws Working Group –  Ivy Reynolds, Patrick O’Neill, Bill Thompson, Dave Carter, and Gordon Westhoff – for their tireless work on reviewing our bylaws, making suggested updates, and incorporating member feedback on desired changes. The Bylaws are the “Constitution” for RMFU, laying the basic rules for who we are and how we operate. Thus, the work this group put in is of utmost importance. Delegates will be voting for a slate of eleven (yes, eleven!) proposals, from removing teletype and other outdated references, to enacting term limits for the Board and requiring mandated review timelines of districts and bylaws.  Delegates will have an opportunity to hear about and question the legal and practical impacts of these proposals at convention then vote for what they believe serves the organization best. 

Another part of the business to be completed is elections to the Board of Directors.  For the first time in my memory, we have a three-person race, a two-person race, and an unopposed race. Make sure you listen to candidate speeches and ask questions.  The role of the Board of Directors is key to guiding the organization. Make an informed decision on election day! 

Speaking of Election Day, as I write this on November 2, we don’t yet know the results of this week’s national and local elections. I can say with confidence, however, that no matter the results, we have a lot of work to do in DC and our State Capitols. Continued ad hoc emergency payment programs over the past decade show that Food and Farm Policy is broken. As a non-partisan, policy-driven organization RMFU is uniquely positioned to talk to everyone about the policies that we believe will shift policy to a better place, and hopefully get a Food and Farm Bill that actually works for family agriculture and consumers!  

One of the most effective ways you can drive change is by being an active member! With the ongoing farm crisis, the percentage of people involved in agriculture continues to drop nationally and across our three states. The work RMFU does in Santa Fe, Denver, Cheyenne, and Washington DC starts with our member-adopted policy. Convention is your chance to make your voice heard. Updates to our policy changes how we advocate for you.  Every year we have thoughtful debate, and every year we have a document to be proud of. The manner in which Farmers Union crafts and carries out member policy is unique, and I believe it serves both our members and our organization well.  

There is much to look forward to in a couple weeks. I look forward to continued spirited debates and conversations and I certainly look forward to continuing to serve as the President of one of the greatest organizations around!