MCGA, county directors elevate ag issues with candidate visits
County corn organization directors have had a busy fall hosting candidates on the farm and during plot tours, as part of a larger candidate engagement effort through the “MN Corn Grows MN” campaign.
In all, 30 candidates accepted invitations to meet with farmers to discuss issues impacting them, their families and rural communities. Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) district field managers and policy staff worked directly with county leaders to organize each meeting.
MCGA board members also hosted candidates on the farm, focusing on policy makers with relevant committee seniority and those in leadership positions. Building these connections will be valuable as MCGA enters the legislative session.
Topics discussed during each visit included increasing Minnesota’s biofuel standard from 10 to 15 percent, buffer property tax relief, efficient environmental permitting, public investment of agriculture research, and Clean Water Funds for on-the-ground implementation.
With each of Minnesota’s House and Senate seats up for re-election, the candidate engagement effort successfully elevated ag issues in the days leading up to the election. The visits were also the latest example of the important role county corn organizations play in MCGA’s grassroots advocacy efforts. With the participation of county directors, MCGA was able to connect with a much larger group of candidates.
Rep. Joe Schomacker 
Sen. Julie Rosen 
Rep. Tony Albright
Sen. Nick Frentz was one of the 30 candidates who participated, visiting the farm of MCGA President Tim Waibel. Following the visit, he posted a video sharing what he learned about Minnesota’s corn harvest:
