Rob Larew has been elected to succeed Roger Johnson as president of National Farmers Union. Patty Edelburg, a Wisconsin dairy farmer, was reelected to serve a second term as vice president. Larew and Edelburg’s two-year terms began March 2 and will conclude at NFU’s 120th Anniversary Convention in 2022, at which point both may seek reelection.

“I am so honored that the farmers and ranchers, rural Americans, and advocates who make National Farmers Union all that it is have entrusted me with this great responsibility,” said Larew. “Under Roger’s leadership, this organization has grown and flourished. I look forward to building on those accomplishments to further expand the reach and strengthen the reputation of Farmers Union.”

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson congratulated Larew on his election.

“Rob is a smart leader and a knowledgeable voice on food and farm issues,” said Peterson, a Minnesota Democrat. “Farmers Union will benefit greatly from his experience."

Larew, who was raised on a West Virginia dairy farm, served as NFU's Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Communications since fall 2016. In that role, he oversaw the organization's legislative advocacy in Congress and the executive branch as well as its public relations activities. Prior to his employment with NFU, Larew worked for more than 22 years as a Congressional and USDA staffer, first in Congressman Peterson’s personal office, then with Minnesota Sen. Paul Wellstone and then the House Agriculture Committee, where he served as staff director for Democratic staff on the 2008 and 2014 Farm Bills.  He also worked at USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Related:3 vie for NFU presidency at 118th convention