Keeping farmers connected in an upside-down year: MCGA Field District 2
As a grassroots organization, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is driven by the efforts of corn farmers and their local county corn grower associations. MCGA district field managers travel the state in an effort to empower farmers and county organizations with resources, information and support to be successful. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be highlighting these local grassroots efforts.
Written by Jonathan Eisenthal
Farming can be solitary work, and so, maybe more than other occupations, farmers depend on those times when they can get together and talk. For much of the past year, the corner cafe was not an option.
Nicole Frank, the MCGA Field District 2 Manager, sees the field manager role as a vital lifeline. District field managers keep farmers connected by assisting with questions, and providing resources and support to help farmers and local county organizations be successful.
“A pandemic is something we’ve never experienced before, so it’s difficult to know how different people will react,” said Frank. “This past year it was even more important to connect with growers to see how they are doing. Making sure that the line of communication is open and listening to how the pandemic is affecting, not only agriculture and the world around us, but what it potentially means for their farm and livelihood going forward.”
Frank also noted the impactful way county organizations stepped up to offer help during the early months of the pandemic and, now nearly a year later, have continued to find ways to share information about agriculture in their communities. For example:
- The Chippewa County Corn Growers donated water to the local hospital to help support first responders.
- The Swift County Corn Growers made donations to their local food shelf and volunteered to assist with distribution of goods to those in need. Swift County also created educational packets for area students to help them continue their education while in-person classes were on hiatus.
- The Todd County Corn Growers held a fueling and food donation event at a local Coborns. During the event, the county gave away 100 bags of groceries that included non-perishable food items made from corn.
“It’s very gratifying to work with farmers who are very salt-of-the-earth people and I’m proud of the programs and initiatives our local county organizations do to make an impact in their community,” said Frank. “It’s a humbling thing to be a part of.”
Franks’ admiration for farmers began early on, when she would visit her grandparents at their dairy farm in Cosmos. There, her grandparents taught her how to do farm chores and take care of the cows. That early experience led her to take a job at a dairy farm during her high school years and, after college and several years working in agriculture, led her to the MCGA Field District 2 Manager position.
“I’ve loved being part of the Corn Growers family and the impact I’ve been able to make with individual farmers, county organizations and our local communities,” Frank said.
Meet and connect with your local District Field Manager here.
MCGA is building a more sustainable future for the state’s corn farmers. But like all grassroots organizations, MCGA gathers its strength from its members. Join today!
Interested in career opportunities with MCGA? Click here to learn more about current openings.
