By Maria Miller, NFU Education Director

The men and women who first organized Farmers Union have been called pioneers, visionaries, and leaders, yet they should have been called teachers given their lasting contributions to the organization. Today, Farmers Union is a nationwide advocacy organization representing the interests of family farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and cooperative businesses. Farmers Union also continues to invest in educational programs that were designed to encourage its members to make the most of their abilities and opportunities.

Since then, literally thousands of Farmers Union members across the United States have donated their time and talents as youth leaders. Tens of thousands of youth have benefited from their participation in Farmers Union educational programs. At least one U.S. senator, one governor, the director of a Fortune 500 company, and both a past and current president of National Farmers Union have said the their successes today can be traced in part to what they learned in Farmers Union’s youth programs. 
 
Last year, Farmers Union marked its 80th consecutive year of providing educational programs to youth.  On July 16, 2011, the organization will celebrate the 75th anniversary of All-States All-States Camp, a leadership camp tailored specifically for young adults on the cusp of building their own lives.
 
Farmers Union’s education programs at the state and national level not only teach individuals, but also empowers people to educate youth, neighbors, media and policymakers of the social, economic and cooperative contributions of family agriculture.
 
Activities for the 75th camp anniversary celebration and reunion are currently being planned at the organization’s education center in Bailey, Colo.  Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 16, 2011.  To learn more about Farmers Union’s education programs, click here.