Minnesota Farmers Union Archives

Minnesota State Lawmakers Discuss ICE Impacts on Agricultural Sector

The coalition present at the news conference warned that if enforcement actions continue in this fashion, the state could see a very noticeable hit to its food supply.

January 14, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

ST. PAUL, MN (KVRR) – Many state lawmakers are concerned that ICE actions could needlessly threaten Minnesota’s agricultural production. They held a press conference in St. Paul and included speakers from Minnesota Farmers Union. They discussed how much the state relies on farming and agricultural output, and how the presence of ICE agents can interfere with employees and business operations….

Rising mediation cases signal deepening financial stress for Minnesota farmers

December 28, 2025

KVRR Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO/KVRR) — The president of Minnesota Farmers Union says while the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program is welcome, ag producers don’t want to rely on ad hoc payments from the government. “Farmers want their money from trade, they don’t want it from aid,” Gary Wertish said. Minnesota’s farmer mediation program helps producers dealing with difficult financial situations. Wertish…

Minnesota Farmers Union President Not Happy With Ongoing Trade War

President Trump tweeting Sunday that the country is "Poised for big growth after trade deals are completed."

August 19, 2019

TJ Nelson,

Gary Wertish/President, Minnesota Farmers UnionST. PAUL, Minn. — White House trade adviser Peter Navarro says President Donald Trump “has the backs of farmers.” He made that comment Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union”. He says “a lot” of the money the U.S. is taking in from tariffs is “going right to the farmers.” Farmers have been hit hard by…

Minnesota Farmers Give Organizations Input on 2018 Farm Bill

Minnesota Farmers Union and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Hold Meeting in Moorhead to Discuss Ag Concerns

April 5, 2017

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MOORHEAD, Minn. — The Minnesota Farmers Union and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture are traveling through the Land of 10,000 Lakes to meet with farmers and ag producers. “We’ve pretty much covered all of the corners of the state,” said Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish. “We’re hearing a lot of input and getting a lot of feedback.” Wertish said…