National Farmers Union Concludes 124th Annual Convention

Organization unveils new 'NextGen' program to support young farmers and ranchers

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The National Farmers Union (NFU) wrapped up its 124th annual convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, after delegates voted to finalize the organization's 2026 policy priorities. Over 500 family farmers, ranchers, and supporters attended the three-day event, where NFU announced the launch of its new 'Farmers Union NextGen' program to serve young, beginning, and early-career agricultural producers.

Why it matters

The NFU convention is a key annual gathering for the family farming community, providing an opportunity to set the organization's policy agenda and address the evolving challenges facing America's small and mid-size agricultural operations. The new NextGen program signals NFU's commitment to cultivating the next generation of family farmers and ranchers.

The details

At the convention, NFU delegates approved three special orders of business covering topics like the farm crisis, the future of food and farm policy, and the role of family farming in U.S. democracy. NFU President Rob Larew emphasized the organization's ability to bring diverse stakeholders together to find collective solutions. Vice President Jeff Kippley noted that the convention's grassroots, democratic process has united family farmers for over a century.

  • The 124th NFU Convention took place from March 8-10, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • NFU will host its 125th Anniversary Convention from March 7-9, 2027 in San Antonio, Texas.

The players

National Farmers Union (NFU)

A national organization representing family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, with a focus on advocating for progressive agricultural policies.

Rob Larew

The current President of the National Farmers Union.

Jeff Kippley

The current Vice President of the National Farmers Union.

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What they’re saying

“The challenges facing family farmers and ranchers continue to grow more complex. But through it all, Farmers Union continues to do something Washington too often struggles to achieve: bringing people with diverse viewpoints together, working through tough issues and emerging with solutions they built collectively. That unity is our greatest strength.”

— Rob Larew, President, National Farmers Union (National Farmers Union news release)

“NFU's democratic, grassroots process has united family farmers and ranchers for more than a century. This year was no exception. We're leaving New Orleans energized, organized and ready to tackle the challenges ahead with clear purpose and strong momentum.”

— Jeff Kippley, Vice President, National Farmers Union (National Farmers Union news release)

What’s next

NFU will welcome America's family farmers and ranchers again at the 125th Anniversary Convention in San Antonio, Texas, from March 7–9, 2027.

The takeaway

The National Farmers Union's 124th annual convention demonstrated the organization's continued commitment to uniting diverse agricultural stakeholders and advocating for the interests of family farmers and ranchers. The launch of the NextGen program signals NFU's focus on cultivating the next generation of family-scale producers to ensure the long-term viability of America's rural communities.