Harrell Ridley, fall 1982

Abstract

RMFU member Harrell Ridley of Las Animas, Colorado, elected as Chairman of the Board of U.S. Wheat Associates, fall 1982. Photo by Steve Holdren (RMFU).

The programs of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) have supported the successful operation of family farms and ranches for over a century. The first Colorado local chapter of the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America was created near Green Mountain Falls on May 17, 1907, followed that year by several additional Colorado local chapters. Organized in 1908 as the Colorado Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union (CFU), the association changed its name to the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union in 1942 to include members in neighboring states. This collection documents the efforts of the RMFU to serve farmers and ranchers through education, legislation, and cooperative activities, and features materials from prominent RMFU presidents James Patton, Harvey Solberg, John Stencel III, and David Carter. There is also historical information concerning local and county unions as well as the national organization (now known as the National Farmers Union).