National Farmers Union concluded its 124th Anniversary Convention on Mar. 10 after delegates finalized the organization’s policy priorities for 2026 during a three-day gathering in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The event brought together more than 500 family farmers, ranchers, and supporters to discuss key issues facing agriculture and set the direction for the coming year. The National Farmers Union promotes member engagement through annual conventions and fly-ins that focus on policy discussions and community building, according to the official website.
NFU President Rob Larew said, “The challenges facing family farmers and ranchers continue to grow more complex. But through it all, Farmers Union continues to do something Washington too often struggles to achieve: bringing people with diverse viewpoints together, working through tough issues and emerging with solutions they built collectively. That unity is our greatest strength.” Larew has held the position of president at National Farmers Union, according to the official website.
Delegates approved three special orders of business addressing Family Farmers, the Farm Crisis, and the Future of Food and Farm Policy; Family Farming and the Roots of Our Democracy; and Family Farming and Dairy Policy Reform. NFU Vice President Jeff Kippley said, “NFU’s democratic, grassroots process has united family farmers and ranchers for more than a century. This year was no exception. We’re leaving New Orleans energized, organized and ready to tackle the challenges ahead with clear purpose and strong momentum.”
During the convention, NFU announced the launch of Farmers Union Next Generation (NextGen), a new suite of programs aimed at supporting young, beginning, and early-career farmers between ages 21 to 45. The organization seeks to protect and enhance economic well-being for family farmers, ranchers, and their communities according to its official website.
Speakers included representatives from government agencies such as Dudley Hoskins from the U.S. Department of Agriculture; academics like Jonathan Coppess from University of Illinois; industry leaders; scientists; musicians; producers; processors; bankers; investors; advocates for local self-reliance; among others.
National Farmers Union functions through state and local divisions across the country according to its official website. It collaborates through these divisions to provide programs and services while advocating for fair farm policy, sustainable agriculture practices, climate resilience initiatives, educational efforts, cooperative projects, leadership training opportunities—and works toward strengthening rural economies as reported by its official site.
Looking ahead, NFU will host its next annual convention—the organization’s 125th—in San Antonio from March 7–9 in 2027.
