West Central farmer elected President of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association for 2015-16

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) state board of directors recently elected Noah Hultgren as its new president for 2015-16. Hultgren grows corn, soybeans, sugar beets, edible beans and canning vegetables on his family farm near Raymond, Minn., in Kandiyohi County.

Hultgren is a fourth-generation family farmer and was elected to the MCGA board in 2011. He replaces Bruce Peterson from Northfield, whose one-year term as president ended on Sept. 30.

“MCGA has accomplished a lot in recent years on behalf of corn farmers, especially in the areas of research, environmental stewardship and ethanol,” Hultgren said. “The next step is to build on those achievements and leverage them in a way that connects with non-farming consumers. Corn farmers have an amazing story to tell. We need to make sure we’re telling it and making our voices heard outside of the farm community.”

When Noah isn’t farming, he spends time with his wife Paula and their three daughters. He’s also a licensed Realtor, an appraiser trainee and enjoys fantasy sports, golfing, deer hunting, fishing and snowmobiling.

Also at its September meeting, MCGA elected St. James farmer Harold Wolle, Jr. from St. James first vice president; Tim Wiersma, Wells, treasurer and Kirby Hettver, DeGraff, secretary.

MCGA has over 7,100 members and represents the interests of more than 24,000 corn farmers throughout Minnesota. The Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council (MCR&PC) administers the efficient and effective investment of Minnesota’s corn check-off. The shared mission of both organizations is to identify and promote opportunities for corn farmers, while building better connections with the non-farming public.