NFU Delegates Reelect Larew, Kippley to Leadership Posts

Leadership continuity signals a steady focus on family farm advocacy.

A female pig farmer with dirty boots is photographed from the waist up, straddling a pig pen fence, with a white bucket of slop on the ground beside her, sitting on a bed of hay. A little girl is standing on the other side of the white bucket.

FarmHER Jen Welch (Season 1, Episode 2)

FarmHER, Inc.

NEW ORLEANS, La. (RFD NEWS) — Delegates to the National Farmers Union’s 124th Anniversary Convention here unanimously reelected Rob Larew as president and Jeff Kippley as vice president, extending both leaders’ terms for another two years.

Larew, who farms in West Virginia, begins his fourth term leading NFU after focusing the organization on member engagement and policy advocacy during his tenure. His leadership has included expanding outreach to younger producers and advancing the Fairness for Farmers campaign to address consolidation concerns across agriculture.

Kippley, a South Dakota producer who raises cattle, corn, and soybeans, enters his third term as vice president while continuing to operate a tax business serving family farms in his region.

For producers, leadership continuity signals a continued emphasis on family farm policy priorities, including competition, market access, and rural advocacy, as federal farm policy discussions intensify.

Looking ahead, NFU leadership is expected to remain active in Washington as lawmakers continue work on farm policy, trade issues, and input cost pressures facing producers nationwide.

Related Stories
“American soybean farmers—who are already reeling from your sweeping tariffs—deserve better.”
FarmHER Laura Adams raises cattle in Georgia, overcoming family tragedy with the help of Farm Dog of the Year, Skippy.
The shutdown is yet another hurdle for producers navigating a challenging year marked by high input costs, volatile markets, and uncertain trade conditions.
Farmers will need to closely monitor forecasts if the regulatory changes are implemented, as temperature cutoffs will replace fixed spray dates.
With China’s pullback, U.S. sorghum producers must broaden their export markets. Building connections now could help stabilize prices and demand for the upcoming larger crop.
Sergio Bortolozzo, President of the Brazilian Rural Society, discusses the importance of global collaboration and innovation in empowering women in the agricultural sector.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities discusses how tensions in the Middle East are impacting producer’s spring planting decisions.
Land values remain key to borrowing strength.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and the potential impact on agriculture as farmers navigate ongoing global uncertainty.
Strong exports support ethanol margins and corn demand.
Export competition remains heavy despite solid trade.
Spring Fieldwork Expands Amid Mixed Weather Nationwide