Articles tagged under: Mark Watne

Leadership Change Ahead for North Dakota Farmers Union

Published May 2, 2025

After 12 years leading the North Dakota Farmers Union, President Mark Watne has announced he will not seek re-election. Watne, who has been involved with the organization for nearly three decades, said the decision comes at a time when the…

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No Reelection Plans for Watne

Published May 1, 2025

North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne will not seek reelection during the organization’s annual meeting in December. Watne has been in this role since 2013. In a statement, Watne said it is time to let a new generation lead…

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Hit Hard by Tariff Strategy

Published April 8, 2025

According to North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne, North Dakota farmers and ranchers are among the most vulnerable to the current tariff strategy. “North Dakota will be hardest hit by these tariffs” due to its reliance on export markets.…

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Watne Criticizes Lack of Property Tax Relief for ND Farmers

Published April 7, 2025

North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne expressed frustration over the state's recent property tax relief discussions, saying rural residents were left out. "We tried really hard to get additional dollars to be a percentage off of rural property taxes,…

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Watne: Farmers Need Strong Safety Nets in Farm Bill

Published March 9, 2025

North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne is pushing for a strong farm bill that protects key safety net programs. Watne warns that cuts to programs like SNAP and crop insurance could stall progress, making it harder for farmers to…

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Watne Takes Farm Bill Message to DC

Published January 13, 2025

North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne is in Washington, D.C. this week, hoping to promote a sense of urgency about the farm bill. "We've got a really good relationship with (North Dakota) Senator Hoeven and (Arkansas) Senator Boozman who will…

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NDFU Focuses on Fair Pricing and Property Taxes

Published December 15, 2024

The farm bill and property taxes were the main talking points at the North Dakota Farmers Union's annual convention Friday and Saturday. "The farm bill is the highest priority federally," said NDFU President Mark Watne. "On a state level, we're…

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Stronger Antitrust Enforcement and Greater Transparency

Published December 13, 2024

The National Farmers Union continues to focus on its Fairness to Farmers campaign. North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne said the goal is to "actually use antitrust laws to break up some of these large conglomerates that are holding…

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Watne: Rollins Has the Credentials for Ag Secretary Role

Published November 30, 2024

The nomination of Brooke Rollins for the top job at USDA is receiving praise. "She certainly has credentials that could bring her into a leadership role," says North Dakota Farmer's Union President Mark Watne. "She has some background in agriculture…

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G7 Ag Ministerial: Feeding a Global Market

Published October 3, 2024

The G-7 agricultural ministerial meeting in Italy focused on sustainable food systems in a changing global climate. North Dakota Farmer’s Union President Mark Watne was part of the U.S. ag delegation that met simultaneously. "We were trying to deliver a…

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