Kippley wins second term as NFU's advocate

Mar 14, 2024

By Farms.com

At the heart of the National Farmers Union's recent convention in Scottsdale, Arizona, a significant decision was made by family farmers and ranchers across the country. They re-elected Jeff Kippley, a dedicated Aberdeen farmer, for a second term as Vice President on March 11. This decision underscores the trust and confidence the agricultural community places in Kippley's leadership and advocacy efforts.

Kippley's blend of farming experience and accounting expertise positions him uniquely to address the financial realities and policy challenges faced by family farms. His leadership has garnered support from key figures like Doug Sombke, President of the South Dakota Farmers Union, who commends Kippley for his authentic commitment to the welfare of family farming.

In his role, Kippley is pushing for significant policy reforms that are crucial for the survival and prosperity of family farms. His focus areas include ensuring price transparency, advocating for mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL), protecting landowner rights, and supporting the adoption of higher ethanol blends. These efforts aim to create a more fair and sustainable agricultural sector for future generations.

Kippley's commitment extends beyond policy advocacy. He is actively working to grow the National Farmers Union membership and ensure that the concerns of family farmers and ranchers are heard at the highest policy-making levels. His approach to leadership is deeply rooted in the belief that all family farms, regardless of their size or the commodities they produce, face similar challenges that require unified, effective advocacy.

As Jeff Kippley embarks on his second term, his dedication to securing a brighter future for family farming remains clear. His efforts are pivotal in driving forward the National Farmers Union's mission to support the backbone of America's rural economy—its family farmers and ranchers.

Video: Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

The Clear Conversations podcast took to the road for a special episode recorded in Nashville during CattleCon, bringing listeners straight into the heart of the cattle industry. Host Tracy Sellers welcomed rancher Steve Wooten of Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado for a wide-ranging discussion that blended family history and sustainability, particularly as it relates to the future of beef production.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme of the conversation, a word that Wooten acknowledges can mean very different things depending on who you ask. For him, sustainability starts with the soil. Healthy soil produces healthy grass, which supports efficient cattle capable of producing year after year with minimal external inputs. It’s an approach that equally considers vegetation, animal efficiency, and long-term profitability.

That philosophy aligned naturally with Wooten’s involvement in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, where he served as a representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. The roundtable brings together the entire beef supply chain—from producers to retailers—along with universities, NGOs, and allied industries. Its goal is not regulation, Wooten emphasized, but collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement.