COACT Farm Picnic

Additional Information

Farmer-Lender Mediation in an unpredictable farm economy to be addressed at the
36th COACT Farm Picnic, Sunday, August 21, 2 PM, at Pierz Park, Pierz

With farm income at a 20-year low, the Farmer-Lender Mediation Program, which
emerged from the farm crisis of the ‘80s, will be addressed by Minnesota Farmers Union
President Doug Peterson and the Program’s Director, Mary Preisler, at the 36th Farm
Picnic, Sunday, August 21, 2 PM, at Pierz Park, Pierz.

The Farm Picnic’s annual message is “Farmers mean business on Main Street”, which
means that the prices paid to farmers for their milk, crops, and livestock affect local
businesses. The prolonged price drop for farmers makes this year’s topic on farmerlender
mediation all the more relevant, said COACT President Sister Ruth Lentner,
because it facilitates the restructuring of loans when farm income doesn’t keep up with
operating costs. Her three brothers are Benton County dairy farmers, and a sister and
brother-in-law are Morrison County dairy farmers.

Minnesota COACT and Morrison County Farmers Union co-sponsor the Farm Picnic.
Thom Petersen, Farmers Union Government Relations Director, will join the discussion
along with the area’s state legislative candidates.

Serving of the traditional country dinner of ham, sweet corn, and potato salad begins at 2
PM. The Minnesota Farmers Union-NFO Direct Marketing Program is providing the ham,
and the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls are offering the potato salad, fresh-baked bread,
and garden vegetables. Morrison County Dairy Princesses will serve milk and ice cream.
Free tickets, compliments of local businesses, are available at businesses displaying
Farm Picnic posters and will be available at the Picnic