Graves recognized for 25 years of service
Above: Sherrie Graves, Office Manager for the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, is recognized during a celebration of her 25-year anniversary with MCGA.
Since 1997, it’s likely that the first person you’ve encountered when visiting the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) offices is Sherrie Graves. As office manager, Graves has been greeting visitors and supporting Minnesota’s corn farmers for over two decades.
In May, MCGA recognized Graves for her 25 years of service.
Graves, who has helped MCGA through office transitions and countless events, promotions, and programs, said 25 years doesn’t seem real. “Everybody always calls me the veteran,” she said.
Graves said she didn’t know much about farming when she started at MCGA in May 1997. During her interview, she said she recalls being told that the stereotypical image of farmers — as men wearing overalls — wasn’t in sync with reality.
“I was told that our guys are very professional,” she said.
Graves has handled a variety of tasks over her 25 years, from accounts payable to working with county organizations on promotions and events. She said MCGA was largely focused on ethanol during her first few years here but that it’s reach has grown as the organization has expanded.
The best part of the job has been working with the farmers and building relationships with staff, Graves said. She’s still close with many county grower-leaders from her time as the MCGA staff lead for the Producer Services Team.
“I love what I do,” Graves said. “It’s a new adventure every day.”
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association thanks Sherrie for her dedication to our state’s corn farmers and her steadfast support over these past 25 years. We look forward to 25 more years!
