Former MCGA director Dale Tolifson remembered
Longtime Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) director Dale Tolifson, who farmed near Benson, passed away earlier this week at the age of 73. A lifelong advocate for corn farmers, Tolifson will be dearly missed for both his kindness and his tremendous contributions to Minnesota’s ag sector.
Tolifson served on the MCGA board from 2009-2018, and was also a longtime board member of the Swift County Corn and Soybean Growers Association. During his time in both leadership positions, he was well respected by his peers as someone who brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to each meeting, said MCGA director Richard Syverson.
Syverson worked with Tolifson as a past MCGA regional representative and also as a shareholder of the Chippewa Valley Ethanol Cooperative, where Tolifson was a founding member, past chairman and longtime board member. Tolifson was a strong advocate for ethanol, including through the American Coalition for Ethanol. The experience was a valuable addition to his county and MCGA board.
“Dale would travel all over the country for the renewable fuel industry and report back to the local corn growers on what he has learned,” Syverson said. “It was helpful for corn board members to know it is more than just grinding corn, it is about marketing the fuel as well. He was pivotal in bringing the bigger picture of ethanol to the group.”
Tolfison’s contributions to renewable fuels were recognized by ACE last year when they presented the Grassroots Award to Tolifson at its annual meeting. In presenting him the award honoring his “behind the scenes” efforts, ACE CEO Brian Jennings cited Tolfison’s skill and determination to grow ethanol.
“Dale has played an instrumental role in making sure the priorities of ACE and MCGA are aligned and ensuring communication between our organizations,” said Jennings. “But most importantly, Dale’s grassroots leadership and support of ethanol epitomizes the grit and determination it takes to enable farmers to succeed in taking market share from the most profitable companies in the world.”
Syverson said that drive came from a simple goal for Tolifson, and that is to do what he could to improve the lives of corn farmers in Minnesota.
“Whether it was ethanol or through Minnesota Corn, Dale’s goal was always to improve the life of the guy getting out of bed, doing chores and heading out to the field. His intentions were always clear, honest and direct,” Syverson said.
