For immediate release: January 5, 2010

For More Information Contact:
Adrienne Joseph
715-214-7244
ajoseph@wisconsinfarmersunion.com

USDA under secretary, NFU president to speak at WFU annual convention

Chippewa Falls, Wis. (January 5, 2010) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Dallas Tonsager and National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson will provide national perspectives on farm and rural issues at the 79th Annual Wisconsin Farmers Union State Convention on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, at the Plaza Hotel and Suites in Eau Claire.

Tonsager, the keynote speaker, will address USDA's key priorities for farmers and rural America. President Obama appointed Tonsager to serve as USDA Under Secretary of Rural Development in spring 2009. Tonsager formerly served as a member of the Farm Credit Administration board of directors, which is responsible for regulating the Farm Credit System. Tonsager served as South Dakota Farmers Union president from 1988 to 1993.

"We are pleased to have Under Secretary Tonsager as the keynote speaker for our convention, providing our members the opportunity to hear a timely update from a top USDA official on farm and rural issues," WFU President Doug Caruso said.

Johnson will also provide a timely update for WFU members on the national organization's priorities for the coming year. This will be Johnson's second trip to Wisconsin this year. The NFU president toured the state with Caruso in October to discuss with farmers hot-button issues including healthcare, the economy and climate change.

"Agriculture has faced many struggles in the past year. President Johnson has been working hard to create an advocacy agenda at the federal level that will continue to support family farmers," Caruso said.

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., will address members and delegates at WFU's banquet on Saturday evening.

"Family Farms: The Real Deal," will be the convention theme. WFU members from across the state will gather to discuss farm and rural issues and set the organization's policy for the coming year.

The convention will officially open at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010. Registration will begin from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb.5, and will resume at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6. The public is welcomed to attend the convention. Special discounts apply for people who register prior to Jan. 22, 2010.

Registration materials are available online at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com or call the WFU state office at 800-272-5531.