I’m Jim Hayes, your newly-elected vice president. I’m sure I’m a new face to many of you. My wife, Dawn, and I have a 100 cow organic dairy farm in Columbus, Wisconsin. Dawn and I are second-generation NFO members, and my parents joined the organization in 1961. I have held several offices within the organization. I was a national board member, am currently the dairy committee chair and…

The dairy news is all about staggering losses in dairy farm numbers. On top of that, Congress can’t seem to do anything to bring us a new farm bill that would help family farms that need it the most. So why was the mood at our dairy workshop so upbeat this year? A good part of it, I know, is that the more you see of our wonderful staff, the more blessed you are bound to…

April 1, it was announced a human contracted the Avian flu, supposedly from dairy cows. Apparently, that individual is being treated and doing well. On the end of that trading day, the market fell by $6. The April 24 futures filled the gap at $190. USDA says the virus is affecting older cows and there’s no concern for the safety of the commercial milk supply. Most of the herds have been found in…

In Colwich, Kansas, spring planting has begun on my family farm. Next to harvest, it’s the best time of year. It’s a time full of anticipation and promise of what is to come. There is a lot of hard work and long hours between planting and harvest, but that’s the life we live and love. It goes without saying that when farmers plant their crops, they plan to sell them or feed them to their livestock. Either way, the goal is…

From the road, Wendlandt Farms of Paynesville, Minnesota looks like a typical farm with crop fields and covered barns for cattle. But step through the door of the new slat barn built in 2022 and you just might run into Victor. Victor isn’t a person, a steer, or even a dog – it’s a Lely Vector robot…

National Federal Milk Marketing Order Pricing Formula Hearings were convened multiple times in 2023. National Farmers Director of Milk Sales, Dick Bylsma cross examined Mr. Eric Metzger, General Manager of National All-Jersey Inc. on the third day of the Federal Order hearings August 25…

Leander Wagner, Elko, Minnesota passed away November 4. He was 88 years old. Wagner inspired multiple generations of farmers to join the organization through his decades of involvement. He was a former member of National Farmers board of directors, and was active in Knights of Columbus and the…

A collective virtual sigh of relief in rural America occurred when the current Farm Bill was extended last November. The real work has already begun to craft legislation for a new Farm Bill in 2024. Both House and Senate ag committees point out…

With our fingertips and technology, we reach across the planet, able to talk to and see people in every remote corner of the earth. We jump in our vehicles, and hit the road — hungry? We swing into a drive-through for a hot meal. Tired? We sleep safely in a hotel with a comfy bed and hot shower…

It’s been a privilege to serve as vice-president of National Farmers Organization. Wendy and I are second generation NFO members. Her parents joined in 1970. We moved to the ranch in 1990. When we bought our first 20 cows, we became members and I began promoting NFO. Two years later, I became…

The first-ever member vote-by-mail measure results have been tabulated by RSM, National Farmers’ provider of auditing services. National Board Member Dennis Bradley, Membership Director Judy Krier and Human Resources Director Shelly Osier observed the vote counting procedure. The voting results…

The National Farmers annual winter meeting is coming to Coralville, Iowa on March 12-13. The Hyatt Regency Hotel will host the event, and room rates are just $119 for one King or two Queen beds if members make their reservation by February. 19. Parking is included. “National Farmers held…

I’m writing this President’s Message on the last day of September, which happens to also be the last day of our fiscal year. I will touch on that later in my message. The recent threat of a government shutdown was kicked down the road 45 days, but concern continues in the country. I am proud that…

Helping dairy farmers meet and exceed state and federal regulations and passing inspections with flying colors, our representatives help producers troubleshoot potential issues with equipment, water quality and storage. Dairy staff members also help them navigate animal health and environmental regulations…

As you know, our marketing group works hard every day to find the best markets for your milk. We never forget that those markets determine how well you do financially. There is another part of making sure you are treated fairly that only happens every few years—Federal Milk Marketing Order…

I have many conversations with producers over the course of a week about risk management and what levels they should be pricing their production. We always talk about supply, for which the USDA provides data. Then we speculate about demand, and it’s just that, speculation about how high prices can go before…

The Risk Management Agency began tracking harvest prices on Oct 1, using the December Futures for corn and November Futures for soybeans. Right now, especially corn prices are down quite a bit from the $5.91 Spring base prices, so this could be one of those years that you may collect on a claim without having…

Anyone who farms knows success takes dedication with some good luck sprinkled in. That might be especially true when it comes to dairy farming. As a young dairy farmer in Hixton, Wisconsin, Matt…