What the Nebraska Farmers Union State Convention Is
The Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) state convention is the yearly meeting where members set the organization's policy, elect officers and hear from speakers on issues facing family farmers and ranchers. The most recent edition was the 112th annual convention, held December 5 and 6, 2025, at the Divots Conference Center in Norfolk, under the theme "In Good Times and Bad, You Can Count on Nebraska Farmers Union." The organization describes itself as a general farm organization where everyone is welcome.
What Members Do
- Adopt the next year's NeFU policy. Elected delegates set policy and approve special orders of business.
- Elect the state president to a two-year term, board members to three-year terms and delegates to the National Farmers Union convention.
- Select a member for the NeFU Foundation board.
- Hear reports from the organization, its Foundation, its political action committee and the Nebraska Rural Radio Association.
How the Weekend Ran
Friday, December 5
- 8:00 a.m.: registration and exhibits open
- 9:00 a.m.: call to order by President John Hansen
- 12:00 noon: luncheon with National Farmers Union President Rob Larew
- Afternoon: first-round elections, health care options with U.S. Senator Peter Welch, candidate forums and a session on the federal R&D tax credit
- 6:30 p.m.: banquet, President's Award and a keynote by Dr. Derek McLean of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Saturday, December 6
- 7:00 a.m.: breakfast
- Morning sessions on estate planning basics, the National Farmers Union government relations report and agricultural right to repair
- 12:00 noon: luncheon with USDA NRCS State Conservationist Rob Lawson
- 1:00 p.m.: President Hansen's State of the Union report
- 1:45 p.m.: policy consideration and adoption
- 3:15 p.m.: wrap-up
Who Can Attend
Attendance is open to all. Elected delegates vote on policy, and members elect the officers listed above. Door prizes require being present.
Results of the 2025 Convention
- John Hansen of Newman Grove was re-elected state president without opposition to a 19th two-year term. He has served since 1990.
- Darrel Buschkoetter of Lawrence (District 3) and Art Tanderup of Neligh (District 7) were elected to the board.
- Keith Dittrich of Tilden, Bill Armbrust of Elkhorn and Marcia Regier of Beatrice were elected delegates to the national convention in New Orleans, March 7 to 9, 2026.
- The President's Award, the group's highest honor, went to Jeff Downing of Ashland, who is stepping down as general manager of Midwest Agency LLP, which he led since 2013.
- Delegates adopted the 2025-2026 policy.
Where
Divots Conference Center, Norfolk Lodge and Suites, 4200 W. Norfolk Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701.
Questions
Do I have to be a delegate to attend?
No. Attendance is open to all, though delegates vote on policy.
When is the next convention?
The most recent edition was December 5 and 6, 2025, and the next dates have not been announced.
Who do I call?
The Nebraska Farmers Union state office in Lincoln, 402-476-8815, at 1305 Plum Street, Lincoln, NE 68502.
Official Links
- 112th annual state convention announced
- 2025 Convention Book: full agenda and speakers
- Convention election and awards results
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Pierce County 4-H Archery Contest at Norfolk
Pierce County 4-H archery contest shot at the outdoor range in Norfolk, one of the spring shooting sports events before fair season. Held each year; the most recent contest was May 17, 2026.
Norfolk, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Pierce County Official event details - Nebraska Wheat Board Meeting
Wheat checkoff board meeting on the Nebraska Wheat calendar, held in Lincoln on Nov. 18, 2026, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
- Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention
Farm Bureau members meet for policy voting, discussion meet rounds, workshops, a keynote and board elections. The 2026 meeting is Dec. 6 to 8; the 2025 convention was also held in Kearney.
- Nebraska Cattlemen Convention and Trade Show
Annual convention and trade show of Nebraska Cattlemen at the Younes Conference Center South in Kearney, scheduled for Dec. 9 to 11, 2026.
- Box Butte County 4-H Holiday Maker Day
Youth ages 5-18 choose four holiday projects from 2:30 to 4:30 pm on Friday, December 18, 2026; registration is due December 1 at the Extension office.
Alliance, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Box Butte County Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.