St. Paul — Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) member and Rice County vice president Mike Peterson of Northfield created a sculpture for MFU that represents the symbols of family farmers, whom MFU advocates for and supports.

The plow, rake and hoe are the original insignia of Minnesota Farmers Union and represent the historical tools of farmers that represent their hard work.

The sculpture was created to be placed outside of the new location for Minnesota Farmers Union. The idea came during discussions with MFU President, Doug Peterson, a former art teacher and part time artist in his free time.

“I wanted the true symbol of Minnesota Farmers Union to be right out in front of our new building for everyone to see” Doug said in a press release. “I knew who to talk to with my ideas and it clearly was the right choice, it will look perfect outside of our new location.”

Mike worked with Dakota County President Brian Rohrenbach of Rosemount and Greg Langer ,a Minnesota Farmers Union friend from Dakota County, to locate the proper pieces and put the sculpture together. Mike Peterson has told the story of how he initially found an authentic plow in the barn of his grandfather, which was then passed down through the generations and it moved to his barn shortly after his father’s passing.  He had no clue the age or history of the plow. In an attempt to do the research of the plow he had in his barn, and then donate to the sculpture for Minnesota Farmers Union, Mike contacted Langer, who was able to help Mike out with an authentic plow that he had and allowed Mike to refurbish.

He donated the plow to MFU to have it integrated into the sculpture that was being created, as long as Mike kept the family plow in his possession. Family history and farming heritage is a strong passion and firm commitment of Minnesota Farmers Union, Mike and Langer.

Sure enough after months of working together, all the pieces came together, and the sculpture was presented at the Dakota County Spring meeting. The sculpture will be a great addition to the new building for Minnesota Farmers Union.

Minnesota Farmers Union moved to their new location at 305 Roselawn Ave. E, Maplewood in December of 2015. The sculpture will be formally dedicated to the organization this spring.