President’s Podium – Thankful for You

From RMFU President Chad Franke:

It is now December, and 2023 is drawing to a close. I hope everyone got to spend some time with family and friends for Thanksgiving, giving thanks for all the good that happened over the past year. Every year at this time, I am thankful for our time spent together at the annual RMFU Convention. I’m thankful for the chance to catch up with friends, those I’ve known for decades and those I have just met. I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue representing members across our three states. I’m thankful for all our local leaders who drive our grassroots organization, such as the leaders of our two newest county chapters, Wyoming High Plains Farmers Union and the Northern Navajo Farmers and Ranchers Union. Without the local leaders organizing county meetings and activities, working to increase membership, and spreading awareness, we would not be as strong as we are.

I’m also very thankful to the staff of our organization. Those who have attended our annual convention know how many speakers, activities, awards, fundraisers, and social events happen over the two days. Many may not realize that the RMFU staff has already begun the work and planning for the 2024 convention, to be held in Colorado Springs November 22-23. Our conventions run so smoothly and have so much good information because of the hours each of our staff members puts into planning in the months leading up to convention. This is in addition to the activities that are planned and carried out throughout the year, from lobbying for bills such as Right to Repair in three state capitols and Washington D.C. to helping organize local events, putting on our youth camps and fellows program, helping to develop co-ops in our local communities, and hundreds of other behind the scenes tasks.

Overall, I am thankful to be part of such an amazing organization. Because of the relationships we have built over the last century and the leadership of our members, local leaders, and staff, RMFU is at the front of the struggle to help family farmers, ranchers, and their communities thrive.