FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amy Meyer
ameyer@missourifarmersunion.org
573-659-4787/573-470-1494 cell

Missouri Farmers Union to Kickoff 7th Annual Convention

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (January 20, 2006) – In a grassroots effort to revitalize rural communities, Missouri Farmers Union will host its 7th annual convention at Innsbrook Resort and Conference Center near Wright City, Mo. on January 27-28. The convention’s theme, “Taking it Back..Honoring the Past, Pioneering the Future,” focuses on enhancing family farm agriculture and rural communities.

“Now more than ever, it is critically important that family farmers and rural residents get involved to determine a positive direction for rural communities,” said Missouri Farmers Union President Russ Kremer. “The Missouri Farmers Union convention is the ideal venue to craft solutions to rural issues and to shape an innovative vision for the future.”

At the two day event, family farmers, farm groups, food activists, workers, faith organizations and small businesses will convene as a strong coalition of advocates for sustaining Missouri’s agriculture and communities. Convention delegates will decide organizational business, including the adoption of policy that will guide the organization over the coming 12 months; elect MFU officers and four board directors.

On Friday, January 27, the participants will hear from members of the Missouri Farmers Union Credit Union and learn how it is capturing wealth in rural Missouri and keeping money working locally.

Wayne Cryts, a farmer from Puxico, Mo. will address members and guests at the Friday luncheon with his speech entitled, “Drawing a Line in the Sand.” Cryts will highlight how he made headlines with what has been referred to as the “The Great Soybean Raid,” and motivate the audience to stand up for farmers and rural America.

Following the luncheon, a panel of farm leaders will participate in discussions regarding rural revitalization, including education, agricultural policy and community development. Derry Brownfield, Brownfield Report, will be the featured speaker on the panel. Other guests include: Tom Buis, National Farmers Union Vice President of Government Relations and Dan Looker, Successful Farming Business Writer.

National Farmers Union President Dave Frederickson will address the audience at the evening banquet. MFU will honor the retiring President for his leadership and service to rural America at the banquet.

Throughout the two-day event members will participate in workshops including livestock marketing opportunities, home grown energy, community development, agritourism, animal identification and others.

For more information, a complete schedule of events or to register for the convention, visit the Missouri Farmers Union web site at www.missourifarmersunion.org or contact a Missouri Farmers Union office at 573-659-4787.

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Members of the media: If you would like to cover this event, need photographs or would like more information about Missouri Farmers Union, please contact Amy Meyer at 573-659-4787 prior to event or during the event, January 26-28, at 573-470-1494.