National Farmers Union (NFU) today concluded the Week of Action that gathered more than 100 farmers from across the country to the halls of Congress and spurred local action from hundreds of family farmers and ranchers in their home states. Farmers Union members’ message was clear: farmers across the country are facing a perfect storm of volatile markets, rising input costs, shrinking federal support and mounting trade tensions — all with no new farm bill in sight. “We are so deeply indebted to over 100 farm families who have taken time from what is the busiest time of year for many farmers and ranchers to travel here, deliver the news themselves and tell their stories about why action is so necessary right now,” said NFU President Rob Larew. On Tuesday, May 6, NFU hosted a press conference with Representative Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) at the House Triangle to spotlight five farmers who shared their personal stories on how the lack of a farm bill has caused stress and uncertainty during the crucial planting season. “Prices are low, and the time to do something for our  family farmers and ranchers is now,” said NFU Vice President Jeff Kippley. “Our safety net right now is inadequate. That is why we are taking time off of our farms and ranches when we should be calving out cattle, putting them to grass, putting seeds in the ground. We are out here in D.C. talking to our legislators and asking them to get the job done. Let’s get to work, let’s roll up our sleeves and let’s get a farm bill.” Farmers Union members advocated for easing the burden on farmers by passing a strong, united and comprehensive five-year farm bill that strengthens the farm safety net, builds upon voluntary conservation programs, fosters fairness and opportunity in the marketplace, delivers fast and reliable risk management programs and garners broad support from both farmers and consumers.

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A Talk in Kent, Ohio with Ohio Farmers Union and Others

Have you noticed the price of eggs? Who hasn’t! How do government actions and tariffs impact the livelihoods of farmers in Northeast Ohio and beyond? And what does that mean for consumers, especially as far as food safety? The public is invited to hear presentations on the significant changes in food and farm policy, Thursday, May 22, 7 p.m., Hobbs Hall, Kent.

The League of Women Voters of Kent and partners Haymaker Farmers’ Market, the Ohio Farmers Union and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent will sponsor a free educational event to address the growing concerns regarding tariffs, food safety and farming. Professionals will discuss current farm/food policies and how this affects farmers, distributors and consumers.

The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. at Hobbs Hall, 217 N. Mantua St., Kent, Ohio. Hobbs Hall is a facility of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent.

Speakers

Joe Logan

Logan is a 5th generation family farmer from Northeastern Ohio. The farm has specialized in producing a variety of products including milk, grass-fed beef, non-GMO grains, maple syrup and organic crops. Logan has served as the President of the Ohio Farmers Union, a Director of Agricultural Programs for the Ohio Environmental Council, a Director for the National Farmers Union Board, and a member of the Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Matt Herbruck

Matt Herbruck has been an organic farmer for 30 years. He currently owns and operates Birdsong Farm in Hiram, Portage County. There he grows USDA certified organic vegetables, herbs and flowers which he sells locally through several area farmers markets as well as a Community Supported Agriculture program. He also works with Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association on the Soil Health Initiative and the Farmer Mentor Program.

The purpose of this presentation is to provide facts and answer questions to help attendees make informed decisions. The event is free and open to the public. For more information: lwvkent@gmail.com.

The Ohio Farmers Union (OFU) is a non-profit, nonpartisan, member driven association. OFU is part of the National Farmers Union, established in 1902. Both organizations provide strong voices for family farmers, communities, and consumers. OFU opposes the dominance of corporate agribusinesses in food and farm policies. The Ohio Farmers Union adheres to the principals of education, legislation advocacy and cooperative development. You can learn more at https://ohfarmersunion.org.

Haymaker Farmers’ Market, Portage County’s oldest producer’s only farmers’ market, provides a connection between producers of local food and the community by creating a vibrant and sustainable gathering place promoting direct access to fresh and prepared food, agricultural and environmental education and the arts. Open year-round, it is located in downtown Kent on Franklin Ave, under Haymaker Parkway (Ohio 59) bridge. For information about the market hours, go here: https://www.haymakermarket.com.

The League of Women Voters of Kent is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. The Kent League is committed to building a diverse organization that supports a community of respect, celebration and empowerment for people of all backgrounds, generations and cultures to participate in government. All other information about the league can be found at kentlwv.org or on the Facebook page at League of Women Voters of Kent.

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National Farmers Union (NFU) applauds the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) emergency fuel waiver allowing nationwide sale of E15 gasoline during the summer driving season. NFU has long advocated for year-round access to E15 and the expansion of higher ethanol blends, such as E30. 

“Nationwide E15 is a win for American farmers and consumers. Expanding access to homegrown E15 and higher blends during the summer travel season strengthens America’s biofuels economy, creates new markets for our farmers, and keeps more energy dollars here in our rural communities,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Administrator Zeldin’s announcement provides welcome reassurance to family farmers and ranchers facing increased uncertainty in the agricultural economy.” 

NFU proudly endorsed the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, reintroduced in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. NFU urges Congress to act swiftly to pass this critical legislation, ensuring stronger, more reliable biofuels markets year-round. 

The waiver allows E15 to continue being sold this summer. It takes effect May 1, 2025, and runs through May 20, 2025. 

National Farmers Union (NFU) today sent a letter to the U.S. House and Senate, urging lawmakers to support the Trade Review Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation would reassert Congressional authority to review and approve any new tariffs imposed by the administration.  

“We need congressional oversight of tariffs and trade policy to ensure measures are thoughtful and positively impact the agriculture economy. Family farmers and ranchers are facing historic levels of uncertainty, and the recent flurry of tariff announcements, followed by abrupt reversals, has only deepened that volatility,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “These actions force our long-standing trading partners to retaliate with tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and look elsewhere for more affordable products. Once we lose these markets, they’re nearly impossible to win back.” 

The Trade Review Act of 2025, introduced by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), would restore Congressional oversight as outlined in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. 

“We appreciate these congressional leaders’ bipartisan, pragmatic approach on behalf of American agriculture. We urge all lawmakers to stand with family farmers and ranchers by supporting the Trade Review Act of 2025,” added Larew. 

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, on National Agriculture Day, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices.

“Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the Trump Administration is ensuring they get the support they need without delay,” said Secretary Rollins. “With clear direction from Congress, USDA has prioritized streamlining the process and accelerating these payments ahead of schedule, ensuring farmers have the resources necessary to manage rising expenses and secure financing for next season.”

Authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025, these economic relief payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. To streamline and simplify the delivery of ECAP, FSA will begin sending pre-filled applications to producers who submitted acreage reports to FSA for 2024 eligible ECAP commodities soon after the signup period opens on March 19, 2025. Producers do not have to wait for their pre-filled ECAP application to apply. They can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to apply using a login.gov account or contact their local FSA office to request an application once the signup period opens.

Eligible Commodities and Payment Rates

The commodities below are eligible for these per-acre payment rates:

• Wheat – $30.69	Eligible oilseeds:
• Corn – $42.91	• Canola – $31.83
• Sorghum – $42.52	• Crambe – $19.08
• Barley – $21.67	• Flax – $20.97
• Oats – $77.66	• Mustard – $11.36
• Upland cotton & Extra-long staple cotton – $84.74	• Rapeseed – $23.63
• Long & medium grain rice – $76.94	• Safflower – $26.32
• Peanuts – $75.51	• Sesame – $16.83
• Soybeans – $29.76	• Sunflower – $27.23
• Dry peas – $16.02
• Lentils – $19.30
• Small Chickpeas – $31.45
• Large Chickpeas – $24.02

Producer Eligibility

Eligible producers must report 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres to FSA on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form. Producers who have not previously reported 2024 crop year acreage or filed a notice of loss for prevented planted crops must submit an acreage report by the Aug. 15, 2025, deadline. Eligible producers can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap for eligibility and payment details.

Applying for ECAP

Producers must submit ECAP applications to their local FSA county office by Aug. 15, 2025. Only one application is required for all ECAP eligible commodities nationwide. ECAP applications can be submitted to FSA in-person, electronically using Box and One-Span, by fax or by applying online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap utilizing a secure login.gov account.

If not already on file for the 2024 crop year, producers must have the following forms on file with FSA:

• Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.

• Form CCC-901, Member Information for Legal Entities (if applicable).

• Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.

• Form CCC 943, 75 percent of Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching, or Forestry Certification (if applicable).

• AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification.

• SF-3881, Direct Deposit.

Except for the new CCC-943, most producers, especially those who have previously participated in FSA programs, likely have these forms on file. However, those who are uncertain and want to confirm the status of their forms or need to submit the new Form-943, can contact their local FSA county office.

If a producer does not receive a pre-filled ECAP application, and they planted or were prevented from planting ECAP eligible commodities in 2024, they should contact their local FSA office.

2025 Policy Proposals Passed

(Lima, OH) — The Ohio Farmers Union (OFU) held its 91st Annual State Convention on January 25^th. Members gathered in Lima to celebrate the organization’s work in 2024 and learn from experts on tariffs, state education funding and crop price outlooks for 2025. During the event, Bryn Bird was elected as the new President, succeeding Joe Logan, who has served the organization with dedication for the past 10 years.

Bird is co-owner of Bird’s Haven Farms in Granville. She is partners with her brother, Lee Bird. Bird’s Haven is a multi-crop vegetable farm that also operates a community supported agriculture subscription service. Bird’s Haven is a regular at area farm markets and Bryn Bird helped establish what is now the Canal Market District in Newark, Ohio. 

Bird has a history of advocating for family farmers and local agriculture. She has been an active member of the Farmers Union for more than ten years and has served on the National Farmers Union (NFU) policy committee.

“People are more concerned than ever about corporate control over our food system, and that’s exactly what the Ohio Farmers Union has been fighting against for the past 91 years,” said Bird.

“I’m excited to work alongside our members to tackle these challenges and continue advocating for policies that support family farms and protect consumers.”

Joe Logan, who has served as President of OFU for the past 10 years has been a tireless advocate for farmers across Ohio. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the interests of family farmers, supporting fair trade policies, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

 Logan has earned widespread respect for his efforts regarding clean water throughout the state and working to educate farmers about their rights regarding various checkoff progams. 

“It’s time for this 91-year-old organization to shift to the next generation,” said Logan.

“Bryn Bird is uniquely qualified to represent a farm organization in Ohio that is solely dedicated to family farms, fairness in the ag industry and preserving our natural resources for the next generation,” Logan added.

As OFU president, Bird will serve on the NFU Board of Directors and have an active role in guiding the state and national Farmers Union public policy and government lobbying efforts.

During the convention, OFU also set their policy agenda for 2025. This agenda includes fair and adequate public-school funding, fair legislative districts, protecting Ohio’s natural resources while supporting American manufacturing, public option for health insurance, and continued concern over injection well contamination.

About Ohio Farmers Union
The Ohio Farmers Union is a nonprofit organization dedicated to representing the interests of family farmers in Ohio. With a focus on economic fairness, sustainability, and rural community support, the OFU works to ensure that family farms remain viable for future generations.

To see the Ohio Farmers Union 2025 policy proposals, (Special Orders of Business), please see ohfarmersunion.org.

91st Annual Meeting to be Held in Lima, Ohio with Keynote Speakers Ag Economists Ian Sheldon and Barry Ward from Ohio State

The 2025 Ohio Farmers Union State Convention will be held in Lima, Ohio on Saturday, January 25 at the Howard Johnson’s Hotel and Convention Center.

Prof. Ian Sheldon, an economist specializing in ag economics and international trade will be a keynote speaker followed later in the day by Prof. Barry Ward. Former USDA official Chris Gibbs will speak as well as State Board of Education member and former Ohio State Sen. Theresa Fedor. The program will include a presentation from the National Farmers Union focusing on the changing politics in Washington, D.C. regarding the Farm Bill, trade and efforts to curtail anti-competitive practices among the large, multi-national seed, feed and nutrient companies.

Former State Senator Theresa Fedor and current State of Ohio Board of Education member will also speak at the convention regarding state of Ohio public education policy.

OFU will also consider and pass ‘special orders of business’ that serve as the organization’s public policy emphasis for 2025.

Water quality in Ohio, public education funding and local rule are among the issues OFU will consider.

“In one sense – nationally, we’ve been here before,” said OFU President Joe Logan.

“We’re anticipating some significant changes as the new Trump Administration assembles and take heart in that he understands that rural America is a critical constiuency.”

OFU members, farmers and consumers are encouraged to attend the OFU convention. For those interested in attending, navigate to the registration page to sign up. Inquiries may be addressed to Ron Sylvester at rcs@ronsylvester.com, including questions about accomocations. The cost of the convention is $40 per person which includes a luncheon.

Ohio Farmers Union Members and Friends:

Save the date! September 14, 2024 will be the OFU Summer Board Meeting and Member Luncheon. We will have a full schedule of speakers and a farm tour:

Know you already want to RSVP? Click Here!

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Place: 

Methodist Theological School in Ohio

3081 Columbus Pike

Delaware, Ohio 43015

10 a.m. – OFU Board Meeting (All Members welcome to attend)

12 p.m. – Lunch Served in Dining Hall (Lunch is Free – and the local food at MTSO is a treat!)

1 p.m. – YES! on Issue One Redistricting Ballot Measure Explainer, Speaker TBD

1:30 p.m. – Alcinda Folck, Program Leader, Agriculture and Natural Resources Central         State University 

2 p.m. – 2024 CAUV Report and 2025 Outlook, Ted Finnarn, Ohio Dept. of Taxation CAUV Advisory Committee Member

2:15 p.m. – Washington Update – Farm Bill, Speaker TBD

3 p.m. – Tour of Seminary Hill Farm, located on Campus.

Lunch is free to all who attend, but we need a count for MTSO. Please RSVP by clicking this link to fill out a short RSVP form. There is a place on the form for the number in your party, so one person may fill out for a group.

Use the form below to RSVP so we can plan meals. Don’t forget to hit the Submit button!

Board members will be onsite at 10 a.m., but if you aren’t coming to the Board meeting, please show up in time for lunch!

Questions? Contact Ron Sylvester at rcs@ronsylvester.com.

Thank you and Joe Logan and I hope to see you on the 14^th!

WASHINGTON— The Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday passed its Fiscal Year 2025 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) funding bill, which included robust funding for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division and restored a critical component of the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act (MFFMA) that had been rescinded in the Fiscal Year 2024 funding bill.  

NFU is leading the fight to ensure the DOJ Antitrust Division has the resources it needs to promote fair and competitive markets in agriculture and across the American economy. 

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew expressed appreciation for the legislation: “We commend Chair Jeanne Shaheen and Ranking Member Jerry Moran for moving forward legislation that fully reinstates the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act and provides strong funding for the DOJ Antitrust Division. Corporate monopolies have been squeezing family farmers, ranchers, and our communities for decades, and we need a strong DOJ Antitrust Division that can fully enforce our nation’s competition laws. NFU looks forward to continuing to work with the Senate Appropriations Committee to empower the Antitrust Division to take on rampant monopoly power in agriculture and throughout our economy.”  

The partisan FY25 House CJS Appropriations bill cuts funding for the DOJ Antitrust Division and fails to restore the MFFMA. In contrast, the bipartisan FY25 Senate CJS Appropriations bill did the opposite, strengthening funding for the division and restoring MFFMA to its originally intended purpose. NFU will continue advocating for Congress to adopt the Senate’s approach and fully fund the DOJ Antitrust Division and restore the MFFMA.  

Background: 

Earlier this year when Congress passed legislation to keep the government open, the funding bill included a damaging policy rider that would hamper the Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division’s ability to enforce our nation’s antitrust laws and promote fair, open, and competitive markets. The rider unraveled a key component of the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act (MFFMA), legislation that Congress passed in 2022 with overwhelming bipartisan support.  

Unfettered mergers and acquisitions in agriculture over the last several decades have squeezed American family farmers and ranchers. The MFFMA restructured premerger filing fees, raised fees for the largest mergers, and was intended to strengthen enforcement of our antitrust laws by providing additional funding to the DOJ Antitrust Division through increased access to the merger filing fees. The government funding bill in the spring of 2024 rescinded some of DOJ’s access to those filing fees, hampering DOJ’s antitrust efforts. 

In recent years, the DOJ’s Antitrust Division had fewer employees than it did in 1979. Funding for federal antitrust agencies has failed to keep pace with overwhelming corporate consolidation in our economy, which harms family farmers, ranchers, and our communities. Under the Biden-Harris Administration and under the leadership of Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter, the DOJ Antitrust Division is taking aggressive action to promote fair and competitive markets across many sectors of the American economy, including in agriculture. The MFFMA recission and inadequate funding would erode the important work happening at DOJ. 

NFU’s Fairness for Farmers campaign has brought the devastating impact of monopolies on family agriculture into the national spotlight. Learn more at www.fairnessforfarmers.org.