CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. – Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) today kicked off a Week of Action to demand that Congress move swiftly to pass a comprehensive Farm Bill that supports family farmers, rural communities, and consumers. The campaign is part of a national effort coordinated by National Farmers Union (NFU), with actions taking place both in Washington, D.C. and in farm fields across the country.
“Farmers are used to dealing with uncertainty—it comes with the territory,” said WFU President Darin Von Ruden. “But what we’re seeing now is uncertainty on top of instability. Federal funding freezes, expired programs, trade disruptions, and input costs are putting real pressure on farmers. We need Congress to do its job and pass a strong five-year Farm Bill. The future of family farming depends on it.”
The Week of Action arrives at a time of heightened urgency. The previous Farm Bill expired in 2023 and has only been extended one year at a time, leaving farmers without long-term stability at a time of volatile markets, rising input costs, and growing consolidation in agriculture.
“Family farmers are on edge, and the farm economy is faltering. Without the certainty of a strong, five- year farm bill, farmers are left exposed to mounting risks and instability,” said National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew. “This week, farmers and ranchers across the country are raising their voices to urge Congress to act – for farmers’ sake. Their stories make clear what’s at stake, not just for agriculture, but for the rural communities that depend on it.”
Hundreds of farmers and ranchers from across the country will be advocating from their farms and Washington, D.C. Throughout the week, Farmers Union members will highlight key policy priorities developed at NFU’s 123rd Anniversary Convention and urge Congress to pass a strong, bipartisan five-year farm bill that:
· Strengthens the farm safety net
· Builds upon voluntary conservation programs
· Restores balance and opportunity in the marketplace
· Delivers fast and reliable risk management programs
· Garners broad support from both farmers and consumers
While many Farmers Union members are busy with spring planting, they’ll be joining the effort from their tractors, their kitchen tables, and on the local level, adding their voices to a growing call for Congressional action.
To learn more about the Farmers Union Week of Action and how to get involved, visit nfu.org/forfarmerssake.
