The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Board of Directors is proud to introduce a new mission statement and first-ever vision statement for the 115-year-old farm organization. Work on updating the mission statement began by the board last fall during a strategic planning session to position Farmers Union as a leading ag organization as we continue into our second century as an advocacy organization.
Farmers Union in Colorado was organized in July of 1907 by seven charter members who gathered in Teller County. In April of 1908, the farm organization came into existence as a state organization aligned with National Farmers Union, which itself was founded in Texas in 1902. Today, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union is comprised of 15,000 member families in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Our members contribute to the success of the agricultural family businesses that grow and raise the food, fiber, and fuel consumers depend on.
“As each decade passed, RMFU members and leaders took on the most pressing challenges of their time. From the Great Depression and Dust Bowl to the ongoing concerns over corporate concentration, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union has worked to improve the lives and bottom line of farm and ranch families. This commitment is steadfast,” says RMFU President Chad Franke. “Using educational programs, legislative advocacy, and creating member-owned cooperative ventures, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union has survived and thrived for more than 115 years as a grassroots general farm organization. Creating opportunities for members to be actively involved in public policy development is a hallmark of Farmers Union.”
RMFU members come from all types of agriculture, including commodity crop production, specialty crops, irrigated to dryland operations, niche to traditional livestock, small and local markets to traditional and large markets. “Because of this, RMFU represents the big picture of modern agriculture, and is proud to carry that voice forward through our member-driven organization,” adds Franke.