By SEAN GATEWOOD General Legislature and Governor: This year is the first year with the new Governor, now we have a divided government. It is unclear at this point what exactly that will mean but most think there will be some degree of gridlock until there is some sort of bargain between the legislative leaders and [...]
Kansas Farmers Union chartered its first multi-county chapter in more than a decade this fall. Awareness of KFU in this region of the state has grown as we have helped organize and host multiple events, from a series of farm tours and workshops targeted to military veterans to a statewide symposium on regional food [...]
By Tom Parker When Walter Cronkite spoke, America listened. His unbiased reporting on events from Vietnam, President Kennedy’s assassination and Watergate earned him the title of “the most trusted man in America.” Cronkite’s words carried weight, and though he strictly adhered to the standards of objective journalism, he still managed to make his [...]
The 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law on December 20, 2018. Read NFU President Roger Johnson's statement on the passage here. By Tom Parker The National Farmers Union, while admittedly leaning left of center on the political spectrum, has always been staunchly nonpartisan on issues facing America’s farmers and ranchers, NFU President [...]
Delegates to the 2018 State Convention adopted seven Special Orders of Business during policy debate. The orders address a wide range of concerns, from healthcare and mental health services to the rural economy and beginning farmer support. New orders include: On the rural economy, members connect grain surpluses from over-production and high crop yields [...]
KFU proudly honors the legacy of Ruth Hirsh through its award in her name which is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to agriculture and the efforts of the Farmers Union. Hirsh was a strong advocate for a viable education program in Farmers Union; not only for the children, [...]
By Tom Parker Helen Schnoes was on a return leg from western New York State when she stopped in Omaha, Neb., to meet supporters trying to develop a community food system similar to the framework of the Douglas County Food Policy Council, of which she was the Sustainability and Food Systems Planner. It was [...]
Photos by Tom Parker KFU State Convention was held November 29-30, 2018 at the Prairie Band Resort, Mayetta. Special guests for the two-day event were Roger Johnson, Marci Penner, Ron Wilson, & Dale Strickler. Our theme of Rural Resilience appeared many times as we discussed opportunities & challenges facing Kansans: [...]
by Tom Parker By Dale Strickler’s reckoning, he should have hosted a farm tour weeks earlier. Days had been blazing hot under cloudless skies, but as soon as vehicles began rolling in, a cold, steady rain began falling. His farm was the first stop of “Thinking Outside the Box,” a tour spotlighting [...]
by Tom Parker Shortly after the first drivers turned onto a narrow two-track leading into what appeared to be an overgrown pasture a few miles south of Courtland, the low rounded hills to the east disappeared behind a translucent veil. Within minutes, a steady cold drizzle settled in. The rutted entrance to [...]
