National Farmers President, Paul Olson’s Message

On June 1, National Farmers Organization officially began our business relationship with Middlebury Cooperative, enacting the agreement that was inked earlier this spring.

This joint venture involves approximately 62 dairy farms in southern New York and northern Pennsylvania. National Farmers will assist the group by marketing their milk, and NFO dairy farms in the areas involved will also begin co-mingling their milk with Middlebury. A side benefit for National Farmers and Middlebury producers means hauling costs will be reduced for everyone involved.

In spite of some retirements and sell-outs, our organization continues to see excellent overall growth.
When I look at the number of years that a lot of our producers have been with us and, likewise with our staff, it is truly a testament to a dedicated team effort.

When we do have a staff member retire, we have been very fortunate to be able to find and train some excellent replacements. When I hear from the procurement team leaders, it is a breath of fresh air to hear the team approach and positive attitude that they all possess.

Whether you produce milk, meat, or grain, we must do everything we can to keep family farms in business. By working with other groups of producers to build a larger share of the market, we can continue to put pressure on the buyers.
That’s why National Farmers developed our cash, contract and price risk management marketing programs. They help producers wring every dollar out of markets.

In dairy, our Maximum Marketing and options programs allow dairymen to help sell their milk months into the future and lock in prices.

Our Grain Marketing Plus producers appreciate the averaging sales approach, and take advantage of our crop insurance program too. In the Livestock Division, our Profit Plus, Cash Cow Plus and Freedom Hedge marketing programs give producers the tools they need to maximize their profit potential. Farm prices have been under severe stress compared to last year’s price levels, and our marketing and risk management programs can really help.

We have two standout articles in this edition of the magazine. One profiles the winners of our Farm Kids for College scholarship program for 2023. They are excellent examples of young producers creating a future for themselves in agriculture.

And, be sure to read the Steckler article in the center of this month’s edition. They are an excellent example of National Farmers producers using our cattle programs.

I appreciate everyone’s efforts as we continue to face the day-to-day challenges. Will tomorrow be easier and better? Only if all of us collectively work together to help make it better. I truly believe that we are up to the challenge.