JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NDFU) – Mark Watne of Velva, North Dakota was reelected to an 11th one-year term as North Dakota Farmers Union president by more than 500 members and voting delegates attending the organization’s 97th annual state convention Dec. 15-16 in Bismarck.
In his address to members, Watne reflected on groundbreaking ideas the organization has brought to fruition to enhance family farm agriculture, such as Founding Farmers restaurants on the East Coast, and cited future opportunities on the horizon.
“We’re going to have to be more creative and innovative than ever to take what past presidents and leaders have done to prepare this organization for future success. The only way we accomplish what we want to accomplish is by being active and the voice of family farm agriculture,” he said.
In policy debate, Farmers Union delegates adopted two special orders of business in addition to their 2024 Program of Policy and Action.
The first order urged Congress to prioritize completion of a new farm bill. Delegates emphasized the need for a strong and stable safety net in the next farm bill, adequate protection from natural disasters, and farmer-friendly conservation resources.
The second special order opposed elimination of property taxes in North Dakota. Delegates supported efforts to reduce property taxes and encouraged the state legislature and political subdivisions to work toward a more balanced tax structure comprised of income, property and sales tax revenues.
Members also enjoyed a series of breakout sessions that focused on the farm bill, property taxes, market concentration, and new programs and resources for family farmers and ranchers. Other convention speakers included National Farmers Union President Rob Larew, U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, NDSU crop economist Dr. Frayne Olson, and motivational speaker Alyson Van Hooser.
The Agraria Mutual Group (dba Farmers Union Insurance Company) also held its 80th annual meeting in conjunction with the NDFU state convention.