New Leader for Rocky Mountain Farmers Union

Although currently from Lander Wyoming, fifth generation Colorado farmer Chad Franke takes over the reins of serving as president of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. He has a long history of being involved in a farmer's Union from being a youth all the way to serving as Vice President. And now as president, he wants to fight for small farmers. And that includes pushing for the right to repair bill introduced into the Colorado legislature.

“We would like our members to be able to diagnose and repair their own equipment or be able to go to third party mechanic to get that done. Instead of having to go through the factory technicians just want to continue to advocate for our members for all the small farmers and ranchers out there. And for the consumers that are affected by the high prices of food. I think there's a lot we can do that that.”

The bill would require manufacturers to sell tools, parts and digital access to farmers and independent repair shops to diagnose and fix problems with equipment beginning in 2024.

He says that the 2023 Farm Bill and farm labor are other issues that the organization is addressing.

We have people in Washington advocating for a farm bill that works for our members in these three states and in all the states. The ability to hire workers is another issue that has come up on our radar again and again. So we'll continue to work for that.”

Chad Franke incoming Rocky Mountain farmers union president.