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Nebraska Farmers Union |
1305
Plum Street • Lincoln, NE 68502 Contact
John Hansen Office: 402-476-8815, Fax: 402-476-8859, Cell: 402-580-8815 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nebraska
Farmers Union To Hold 94th Annual Convention In
Grand Island December 7-8th At Howard Johnson Riverside Inn
“Growing New Opportunities From The
Ground Up” is the theme for the 94th annual state convention of the
Nebraska Farmers Union (NEFU).
John Hansen, President of the Nebraska Farmers Union said the theme reflects Farmers Unions’ state and national leadership in growing new renewable energy based economic opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. “Ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel, carbon sequestration, and farmer and community owned wind each represent a new renewable energy based market with new sources of revenue pioneered by Farmers Union. We are a grassroots based, from the bottom up type organization, and our economic development strategies also begin at the bottom. In order to maximize the long term economic benefits of new value added renewable energy opportunities for rural communities, we must focus on farmer and community ownership,” Hansen said. “We want our profit centers to stay in rural communities.”
Hansen said that while the 94th NEFU state convention focus was on renewable energy, “We tackle a wide range of subjects. Liz Friedlander, our NFU Communications Director will tell us how Farmers Union is using new technologies and methods to communicate our “Voice of Family Farm Agriculture” message. Steve Martin of the NE Department of Ag on will present on the “Locate in 48” so our members can hear first hand how this program works. Our national and state membership recruiters we describe their efforts this past year. We will have State Senators once again look into their crystal ball on the upcoming Legislative Session. Governor Heineman will speak to us at noon luncheon Friday, and Representative Fortenberry will be our banquet speaker Friday evening. Tom Buis, our NFU President, who has played a major role in helping shape our new Farm Bill, will be our featured luncheon speaker Saturday noon, and discuss the status of the 2007 Farm Bill Saturday morning. We will hear from experts on ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, wind energy, carbon sequestration, and biodiesel. We have a great program with top-notch presenters. We urge all Farmers Union members to attend. The public is always also welcome. If you have questions, call our office at 402-476-8815,” Hansen said.
Friday morning, NEFU convention participants will hear from:
· Steve Sorum, NE Ethanol Board Ethanol Project Manager report on the dramatic increase in new ethanol plants under construction in Nebraska, explore cellulosic ethanol potential, and also discuss ethanol challenges in the future.
· Eric Brown, General Manager of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association will give an update on additional towers and new services they offer farmers and ranchers.
· NEFU’s Graham Christensen will report on the higher rates, statewide eligibility, new programs, and nearly 350,000 acres of new acres signed up in Nebraska for the Farmers Union Carbon Credit Program.
· Dan McGuire, Sen. Cap Dierks, and John Hansen will report on the passage of LB629 that brings farmer and community owned wind opportunities to Nebraska. They will also discuss some of the challenges yet ahead for wind development in Nebraska.
Governor Dave Heineman will be the featured speaker at the Friday noon luncheon. The Governor will focus on the upcoming challenges and opportunities facing rural Nebraska. Friday afternoon, NEFU convention participants will hear from:
· A “Legislative Preview for 2008 With New State Senators” will discuss upcoming issues facing the Legislature. Panel members will include Senators Elect Annette Dubas, LD34, Russ Karpisek, LD32, Cap Dierks, LD40, Don Preister, LD5, and Norm Wallman, LD30.
· Liz Friedlander, NFU Communications Director from Washington, DC will describe the new technologies she uses to get out the word out with membership and the public.
· Steve Martin, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s Animal Identification Coordinator will discuss their “Locate in 48” program and answer questions.
· A panel that will discuss all aspects of renewable energy composed of Dan McGuire, Executive Director of the American Corn Growers Foundation and “Wealth from the Wind” and NEFU District 5 Director, Robert Byrnes, President of Nebraska Renewable Energy Association, Steve Sorum of the Nebraska Ethanol Board, and Graham Christensen, NEFU Public Relations Director. John Hansen will moderate the panel.
· NEFU delegates will elect NEFU President, Directors from Districts three and seven as well as elect two delegates and two alternates from the membership to the 2008 National Farmers Union Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada March 2-4th.
The Friday evening banquet speaker will be Representative Jeff Fortenberry from Nebraska’s First Congressional District, who also serves on the House Ag Committee. He has been a leader on renewable energy and rural development issues, two key areas for Farmers Union.
Saturday morning, NEFU convention participants will hear from:
· Brooks Dailey, NFU Membership Services Director & Graham Christensen NEFU Public Affairs Director on membership issues.
· Roy Stoltenberg, NEFU Vice President’s report.
· Vern Jantzen, NEFU Secretary’s report.
· John Hansen, NEFU President’s & Education reports.
· “2007 Farm Bill Report” with National Farmers Union President, Tom Buis, & NFU Legislative Committee Chair, John Hansen, NEFU President.
Saturday noon luncheon speaker will be National Farmers Union President Tom Buis who will highlight 2007 accomplishments and 2008 opportunities. The Convention will conclude Saturday afternoon after the delegates complete the policy adoption process.
Nebraska Farmers Union is the state’s second largest and oldest general farm organization representing over 5,500 farm and ranch families and the rural communities they live in. The mission of Nebraska Farmers Union is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers, and the rural communities they live in.
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