For Immediate Release
October 13, 2021
For more information, contact: John Hansen
(402) 476-8815 [email protected]
Upcoming Nebraska Farmers Union Virtual Convention Agenda Highlights Announced
December 3, 2021 Nebraska Farm Homes
Lincoln, Nebraska. “108 Years of Leadership” is the theme for the 108th annual Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) state convention. John Hansen, NeFU President said, “Despite the ongoing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the service work and focus of our general farm organization to serve the needs of family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities goes on. While we were hoping for the return of our normal in-person State Convention with handshakes and hugs, it is the judgment of our Board of Directors that in order to conduct the necessary elections and business of the organization, and keep our members safe from the Delta variant, we will be doing our state convention virtually via ZOOM.”
The 2021 NeFU State Convention was scheduled to be held in Lincoln at the Cornhusker Hotel, but instead will be held in farm homes across the state. Successful NeFU and NFU virtual Conventions were held last year, NeFU spring and fall District meetings, and two NFU Fly-In events. “NeFU Vice President Vern Jantzen of Plymouth said, “Our state needs to take full advantage of the additional federal funding to improve and expand rural broadband capacity and accessibility. We obviously need this technology.”
NeFU delegates and members will elect Board of Directors for three year terms from Districts 2, 4, and 6. Lynn Belitz is running for election for District 2 as the result of the retirement of Jim Knopik. Vern Jantzen is running for re-election in District 4. Graham Christensen is running for re-election in District 6. The final district caucuses to field potential additional candidates and all elections will be held Friday morning between 11:00 am and noon.
John Hansen has announced his candidacy for re-election to a two year term as President. Friday morning between 11 and noon will be the time for any other nominations and the election.
In addition to electing officers, three delegates and alternates to the National Farmers Union (NFU) Convention will be elected 11 to noon Friday morning. The 2021-2022 NeFU policy day will be held Tuesday, November 23rd.
Hansen noted “Since there are no transportation, lodging, meal, or registration costs, this is a great opportunity for our members to attend state convention.” Registration is at the NeFU website: https://nebraskafarmersunion.org/convention/. The latest information will be on the website. The usual two day format will be condensed to one day. NFU President Rob Larew will be the Friday noon keynote speaker followed by the always popular State Senator panel with Senators Carol Blood, John Cavanaugh, Myron Dorn, and John McCollister.
NeFU Vice President Vern Jantzen of Plymouth will chair the policy adoption process Friday afternoon.
NeFU President John Hansen concluded, “Our virtual convention will be practicing extreme social distancing, but masks will not be needed in order to keep us safe.”
Nebraska Farmers Union Virtual State Convention Agenda
“108 Years of Leadership”
December 3, 2021 Second Ever Virtual Convention
Friday Morning, December 3, 2021 (Register Here)
9:30 Call to order: Convention Convenes, Welcome, Pledge, Prayer, Past Convention Minutes (All Members)
9:45 NeFU Foundation Elections– John Hansen, NeFU Foundation Secretary
- Election of At-Large Member to NeFU Foundation, 1 year term (Ron Meyer is the current director)
10:00 NeFU Foundation & Education Report—John Hansen
10:15 Nebraska Farmers Union PAC report—Vern Jantzen
10:30 Refreshment Break Sponsored by: Nebraska Rural Radio Association (What’s in your refrigerator?)
10:40 Farmers Union Midwest Agency, LLP report—Jeff Downing, General Manager
11:00 NeFU Elections: Report by Elections Chair, Vern Jantzen (Members Only)
- Call for additional nominations for NeFU President (2022-2023)
- Election of NeFU President
- Introduction of candidates for NeFU Delegates to NFU Convention (all Delegates vote)
February 27-March 1, 2022 National Farmers Union Convention, Grand Hyatt, Denver, CO
- Elect Top Six NFU Convention Delegates–Vote for 1, 2, or 3 candidates
(Top 3 vote getters are Delegates—next 3 are Alternates)
- Districts 2, 4 & 6 caucus for additional NeFU District Director Nominations (2022-2023-2024)
- Election of District 2 Director (District 2 Delegates only vote)
- Election of District 4 Director (District 4 Delegates only vote)
- Election of District 6 Director (District 6 Delegates only vote)
12:00 Noon Luncheon: Sponsored by Farmers Union Midwest Agency, LLP
Help yourself, eat on your own, remember to tip the server and compliment the chef!
Friday Afternoon, December 3, 2021 (All Members) (Register Here)
12:30 NeFU President’s Award presentation to: Jim & Carolyn Knopik, retiring District 2 Director
12:35 NFU President Rob Larew, NFU Government Relations Report
1:30 A Preview of the 2022 Legislative Session
- Senator Carol Blood, LD3
- Senator Myron Dorn, LD30
- Senator John Cavanaugh, LD9
- Senator John McCollister, LD20
2:15 NeFU Policy Consideration (Delegates Only)
3:15 NeFU President John Hansen, NeFU President-Convention Wrap Up
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