Arriving on Ellis Island in 1897, John Gliko was one of more than 12 million people who passed through that gateway between 1892 and 1954, leaving behind everything they knew and carrying only dreams to guide them. The Gliko brothers worked their way across more than 2,000 miles of unfamiliar country. Arriving in Great Falls, Montana, they took jobs at the local smelter…

“Working with National Farmers dairy families, staff and partners is a joy,” says Lesley Ollies, National Director of Milk Sales. Hailing from Pennsylvania, Ollies grew up around beef cattle, but the dairy world was just around the corner. “My aunt and uncle managed a dairy co-op, and I spent quite a bit of time with them.” She began helping out in the office whenever the opportunity…

Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountain ridge, Frescura Farm LLC represents the enduring spirit of generational farming and a commitment to conservation. Operated by Todd and Marla Frescura, with help from their sons, Dante and Evan, the 100-acre hilly, organic dairy farm has evolved into a thriving, sustainable operation. The Frescuras are aligned with National Farmers…

Hello from South Central Wisconsin. Just like the weather for many of you, our weather here has been challenging for making quality hay and maintaining milk production. As we start to step out of summer and into fall, our producers and livestock will both welcome the cooler temperatures. With that transition, we also have the opportunity to reflect on the challenges…

We’ve all seen some big changes in dairy farm size. One thing has not changed, however. National Farmers is just as much about family farming today as it ever was. Here’s a good example of what I mean. Last month’s magazine featured the Breitenmoser farm that milks 460 cows in Wisconsin. The family owns the farm, is fully involved in its management, and does the day-to-day…

In April, Jeff Rose and I anticipated the highs for the year hitting in the summer months. It’s happened maybe twice that I can remember in the last 40 years. We are experiencing that right now. It feels like the CME has marked record highs every week since June. Not only has the CME broken through record highs, the fed cattle market (both Natives and Holsteins), feeder cattle and…

2025 has, so far, been challenging for grain farmers across the United States. However, the greatest challenge has been the lack of opportunity to market the stored 2024 crop and the 2025 growing crop at profitable levels. All indications and projections point to a record crop for both corn and soybeans. This, combined with the record carryover from the 2024 crop, has created…

Alongside numerous small family dairies that dotted the rural Wisconsin landscape, the Breitenmosers made the long journey from Switzerland to America wanting a better life. Hans Sr. and Margrit Breitenmoser arrived in 1968 with the hope that hard work would result in a prosperous farm and happy life…

National Farmers Organization is celebrating our 70 years birthday. From humble beginnings in Northwest Missouri and Southwest Iowa, what began as an idea driven by drought in those areas of the country along with falling farm prices-especially for cattle and hog producers, to where we are today…

Today, there is a lot of uncertainty in markets and the long-term effects of on-again, off-again tariffs and resulting trade disputes. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some unpleasant surprises for National Farmers members as things play out. I’m especially worried about Dairy Margin Coverage, or DMC payments. Let me explain…

February was the last time I gave my advice in this column. In February, I wrote about record high prices, strong demand and uncertainty that tariffs might bring. In June, cash prices were on fire for both feeders and fats. The biggest issue producers are talking about to me now is having locked in prices at…

The agricultural industry and particularly grain producers, are experiencing significant marketing challenges. Traditionally, marketing opportunities for fall crops are more attractive in the spring and early summer due to planting issues, weather, and crop conditions in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, this…

Livestock has been a staple on the J&A Frieler Farm, LLC in Melrose, Minnesota, since the start. This land, which evolved into a small farm with a diverse mix of crops and livestock, has supported the Frieler family for over 100 years. The towns surrounding the farm and the agriculture industry itself have weathered many changes…

March 19, eight members of the national board retired at Convene ’25. President Paul Olson thanked them for their commitment to the organization and their exemplary service to America’s farmers and ranchers. National Farmers began a board reorganization process more than 24 months ago that was approved by…

At National Farmers annual winter meeting March 18, President Paul Olson thanked attendees traveling to Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and he welcomed those watching via livestream on the organization’s website. National Farmers board of directors voted two years ago to livestream the event to members who can’t get away from…

Greetings from the Upper Midwest. Spring is definitely starting to make an appearance with several days in the 60s & 70s, along with some badly needed moisture. It’s the second year in a row for us with very little snow to help replenish our moisture deficit. It was great to see many of you at our national convention. We had some…

Thanks to all of you who participated in this year’s Dairy Workshop at national convention. I was once again reminded of why I love working for National Farmers Organization—you, our wonderful farmers and staff. There was a lot of good news to report. We continue to grow our program in both membership and…

Another national convention in the books. I especially want to thank the staff and producers who attended. I know it’s not easy getting away from all the farm work. I also congratulate the Top 5 Collection Points on their awards. There are between eight and ten who are in the running each year, which says our livestock staff…

Looming large over grain markets is the impact of tariffs imposed by the United States and the reaction of other countries to them. The immediate result for agriculture was a significant reduction in prices received for our production. The long-term effects are still to be realized. Farmers have once again borne the burden of…

Having children in 4-H has undoubtedly led many families down paths they never imagined. One Illinois family’s 4-H journey lit their passion for dairy cattle. In 1984, Jim and Wanda Bohnert purchased a couple of older registered Jersey cows from the local sale barn for their boys…

March is the month, Pewaukee, Wisconsin — just outside of Milwaukee ­— is the place. It‘s National Farmers annual winter farm business and ag marketing meeting, set for March 18-19 at the Ingleside Hotel. And, best of all, members register free this year! Book author Brian Reisinger…

When will our nation’s farmers and ranchers stand up and be heard — or is it too late? Many of us are trying to make sense of what’s going to develop with the expired Farm Bill. As of early December, it looks more like another one-year extension versus getting a new bill signed. Meanwhile…