RMFU announces new education director

DENVER—Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) announces the appointment of Cree Bradley, a Duluth, Minn., resident, as its new education director. Her first day on the job was April 11.

Bradley graduated from the University of Minnesota at Duluth with a degree in environmental studies and anthropology. She comes to RMFU with a background in agricultural work and education. Most recently, she directed a 16-county farm program called Superior Grown, which worked to strengthen and promote local food and agricultural products in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin by connecting farmers, businesses and consumers. She has organized and taught education programs, such as a sustainable agriculture curriculum for elementary students and an organic course and season extension workshop for farmers.

In addition to working in the agricultural sector, Bradley and her husband farmed on a very small scale, growing a variety of vegetables for the local farmers market. They had laying hens for egg production and commercially fished Lake Superior for herring. She also worked on the Mercury-Free Zone Program for the institute and was a volunteer for Friends of the Boundary Waters in Duluth. In Colorado, she assisted in sustainable forestry management at Pamidge Ranch, Bellvue, and was a backpacking and climbing program guide for women at Meadow Mountain Ranch, Allenspark. She also helped in a cattle production operation in Ironside, Ore.

“Cree’s extensive background, both as an employee and as a volunteer, in environmental projects, camping and other outdoor programs, as well as her commitment to family agriculture, will serve her well as she assumes the duties of RMFU education director,” said Ben Way, RMFU executive director.

As education director, Bradley will work with county Farmers Union organizations to promote the organization locally by training county officers, promoting membership growth and developing county programs. She will organize RMFU workshops, seminars and other educational forums. She also will be in charge of organizing RMFU youth education programs, including its summer camps, teen speech contest and scholarships.

“I look forward to being able to work pursuing my two passions of education and farming to benefit RMFU members, rural communities and consumers concerned with the quality of their food,” Bradley said. “I’m glad to be back in Colorado and working for family farmers and ranchers.”