Minnesota Farm Bureau - February Newsletter

February| 2023

LEAP Conference

group of tables with event attendees seated listening to a keynote speaker

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the annual LEAP Conference in Hinckley Jan. 27-28 for a great weekend of learning and connecting with fellow members from across the state.

Several awards were also handed out during the event. The Promotion & Education Committee presented the Advocate of the Year Award to Paula Mohr of Anoka County and the Golden Apple Award to Tiffany Kobbermann of Pope County. The Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee presented its Golden Pitchfork Award to Kent Thiesse of Blue Earth County, while the Outstanding Friend of YF&R went to Robin Kinney of Hennepin County.

Additionally, eight individuals advanced in the YF&R Discussion Meet competition, with final rounds taking place at the MFBF Annual Meeting in November. Congratulations to Emily Annexstad (Nicollet County), Justin Crowley (Washington/Ramsey County), Jeff Debele (Wright County), Megan Horsager (Chippewa County), Addie Miller (Carver County), Cassy Postler (Pipestone County), Joe Ramstad (Hennepin County) and Lisa Roker (Redwood County).

Mark your calendar for the LEAP Conference next February in Fargo!

Collegiate Discussion Meet Winner

Congratulations to Lafe Aarsvold of Southwest Minnesota State University, who won the MFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet competition held during the LEAP Conference on Jan. 28.

Aarsvold moves on to represent Minnesota in the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Collegiate Discussion Meet competition March 3-6 in Jacksonville.

Miron National Runner-Up

four people standing in front of a tractor

Congratulations to Kristy Miron of Washington County, who finished as runner-up in the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Ag competition, held during the organization’s convention.

MFBF Wins National Award

Ruth Meirick and Dan Glessing holding Award

MFBF was one of six states to receive the New Horizon Award, presented during the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention. The New Horizon Award honors the most innovative new state Farm Bureau programs. Minnesota was recognized for its interactive ag literacy exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair.

Day on the Hill

Join Minnesota Farm Bureau leaders and members from across the state for our Day on the Hill, taking place on National Ag Day, Tuesday, March 21.

This is an opportunity for members to meet with elected officials, share their stories, and discuss the important issues and impact of legislation.

Contact your MMS or county Farm Bureau for more information and to join us.

Video Contest

The "Farmers Produce More than Produce" video contest is back! This contest encourages individuals ages 11-21 to create a video :30 seconds or less highlighting how farmers and ranchers produce more than just food. Grand prize winners have their video broadcast in the MFBF building during the Minnesota State Fair!

Foundation Online Auction

Support the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation and its mission to provide agriculture outreach and education opportunities across the state when its annual online auction opens on March 1.

Bid on a variety of items donated from county Farm Bureaus across the state, there's something for everyone! Visit fbmn.org to learn more.

Around the State

Over 50 individuals attended the inaugural District VI Northeast Minnesota Ag Summit in Walker. They had the opportunity to hear from John Hart USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services, Dan Stark of the Minnesota DNR, and Dr. Eric Mousel with the University of Minnesota Extension in addition to updates from MFBF leaders.

Steele County Farm Bureau recently donated agriculture-themed books to local daycares.

group of people standing in front of bowling lanes

Fillmore County hosted a bowling and social gathering for members.

group of people sitting at tables with people standing behind

Members of the Wright County Farm Bureau helped judge the Region 4 FFA Discussion Meet.

Group of people sitting at tables at event

The Cass County Farm Bureau took part in the University of Minnesota Extension Cow Calf Days event in Staples.

Brown County Farm Bureau hosted a Policy at the Pub and Ag Trivia night in early January.

two individuals standing together holding a certificate

New Membership and Marketing Specialist Kayla Mistic presented Traverse County President Larry Raguse with a membership award.

Member Benefit Spotlight

Hotel Stays

Spring break and other getaways are just around the corner. Farm Bureau members receive discounts on hotel stays at Choice Hotels, IHG Hotels and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.

For more information about all the the benefits available to you as a Farm Bureau member, visit mn.fbiris.com/Benefits.

Ag Day Gala

Limited spots remain to join us for the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation's second-annual Ag Day Gala, Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at the North End Event Center on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The evening brings together our vibrant agriculture community in celebration of the rich history and bright future of the industry in our state.

Changing the Narrative on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Talking about mental health and suicide can be an uncomfortable and uncertain topic that brings up different feelings, beliefs, and attitudes for everyone. Changing the Narrative, offered by the Minnesota Department of Health, is an interactive conversation that empowers participants to change perceptions of mental health towards hope and resilience.