A press release from the Minnesota Farmers Union, United States Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, alongside Governor Mark Dayton met with members on Saturday, February 16th at the Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) office. State Representatives Andrew Falk, and Rick Hansen, who are also MFU members, were in attendance as well.

At the meeting Secretary Vilsack recognized Minnesota and specifically Minnesota Farmers Union for their progressive work in agriculture, and informed MFU members on a federal perspective of current issues.

An issue of high priority for Secretary Vilsack is introducing young people into farming. “There will be far more farmers over the age of 75 than there will be under the age of 25” predicted Vilsack. “I value this group here” he said to Minnesota Farmers Union members, “I see a lot of people that look a lot younger than I do, which is great.”

Federal budget sequestration, the Farm Bill, water quality programs, and dairy were also important points of discussion. These are also high on Minnesota Farmers Union’s legislative agenda.

MFU President Doug Peterson will be commenting further on the meeting so stay tuned on AM 730 KWOA.