Convene ’26 is now in the rearview mirror. It was great to see everyone, I only wish that I had more time to visit with attendees.
I give my thanks to the entire convention team, led by Perry Garner, for all their hard work putting together our annual winter meeting. It is more work than most members realize, and everything seemed to go as smoothly as possible this year.
I presented my President’s Award for Outstanding Service to three well-deserving recipients at Convene.
*Former National Farmers Vice President Paul Riniker, for his service as vice president and his recent work with the Manchester, Iowa, cattle marketing center.
* The Muhlenkamp family from Ohio received the award for their long-time membership and hard work promoting National Farmers and its programs. They have marketed production through the organization for 63 years.
*Communications Director Perry Garner received the award for his 36 years of committed service to farmers and ranchers.
From our financial report to the various commodity divisions, we are once again showing strong growth. On a negative note, however, the organization faces challenges of low milk and grain prices and the impacts on our members and on farmers everywhere.
We will continue to reach out and work with whomever we can to put upward pressure on the market to get this turned around.
Farmers are being hit hard by conflict in the Middle East, as fuel and fertilizer, along with freight prices, add to production costs. The additional uncertainty and volatility related to world events and tariffs means it’s hard for any of us to predict what the Spring will bring. I just long for something resembling normal.
On a personal note, Harold Walker, a friend and colleague who served as our Grain Director, has passed away. My condolences and prayers go out to the entire Walker family during this difficult time.
Harold served on our national board for many years, representing Kansas, and worked tirelessly on behalf of the organization, both in Kansas and nationally.
I am dedicating this issue of the magazine to Harold for all he has done to support and advance the goals of National Farmers and family farms. May we all continue his legacy in his honor.
I have asked Theresa Seiler, our conventional grain marketer, to step in and serve as acting director. The officers and board of directors have complete confidence in Theresa and believe she will do a stellar job. Please give her your full support.
I also want to welcome Aaron Johnson, Madison, South Dakota, as a new member of the national board, and Don Hamm, Fredonia, Wisconsin, who was re-elected to his seat.
Until next time- stay safe and may God Bless you.
