Front page, 50th anniversary edition, Rocky Mountain Union Farmer. January, 1959
Front page, 50th anniversary edition, Rocky Mountain Union Farmer. January, 1959

Historical Overview

The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) originated with a local chapter of the National Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America (NFU). This first Colorado chapter was organized by T.W. Woodrow in Teller County on May 17, 1907. Within a few months, Woodrow had organized six additional chapters in the state.

In 1908, the NFU established a Colorado division, commonly called the Colorado Farmers Union (CFU), which worked to encourage the improvement and survival of the family farm. By 1943, the organization had changed its name to the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, reflecting the inclusion of Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona in its activities. Current membership in the RMFU includes the states of Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico.

The three key areas of emphasis of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union are:

  1. Education programs to facilitate the farmer’s knowledge of agricultural and legislative issues and stressing involvement of young farmers
  2. Lobbying to promote pro-farmer legislation
  3. Development and support of cooperative activity, which is reflected in numerous subsidiary organizations, including a marketing association and the Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Company (FUMIC).