County Highlights: Counties have successful end to 2023

January 2, 2024
Reading Time: 3 minutes

County corn organizations fuel the grassroots advocacy efforts of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association while helping promote the importance of corn farming in Minnesota. Throughout the year, county organizations host events that raise awareness of agriculture in their local communities, engage area youth with educational and scholarship opportunities, meet local legislators to discuss issues important to corn farming, and much more. To shine a light on these initiatives throughout the year, Minnesota Corn highlights the counties’ many successes. Below is a recap of county efforts during fall 2023.

County corn board members receive harvest snacks

Swift County Corn Growers Association board member Randy Ascheman
Lincoln County Corn & Soybean Growers Association board member Jon Johnson

This fall, MCGA’s district field managers continued the tradition of dropping off harvest snacks to members of the state’s 52 county corn boards. Thank you, county board members, for everything that you do! We hope you, and all growers, had a safe and plentiful harvest.

Norman County growers honored by 4-H

Norman County Corn & Soybean Growers Association President Corey Hanson receives a plaque from 2024 Norman County 4-H student president Madalynn Crompton at the county’s 71st annual 4-H awards banquet.

In November, the Norman County Corn & Soybean Growers Association board received the ‘Business Appreciation Award’ from Norman County 4-H for its outstanding contribution and support of the program. Norman County 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator Linda Houglum thanked the organization for “all their generosity and support to 4-H and to the community.” The banquet also recognized 4-H students for their leadership and achievements in the program.

Nicollet/Sibley growers hold fuel event

From left to right: Nicollet/Sibley County Corn & Soybean Growers Association board members Jamie Seitzer, Dan Widmer, Debra Meyer, and Kelsey Henke and Minnesota Corn district field manager Emily Burns (second from right).

In September, the Nicollet/Sibley Corn & Soybean Growers Association held a successful fuel-promotion event at a Kwik Trip in St. Peter. Volunteers with the group enjoyed talking with customers about biofuel blends like Unleaded 88 and E85, and they handed out goodies. Fuel events are just one way county grower associations help consumers understand the many benefits of ethanol-blended fuels.

[Read more: Events promote Unleaded 88 and flex fuels]

McLeod County growers donate to local food shelf

From left to right: McLeod County Corn & Soybean Growers Association board members Mandy Dammann, Ryan Zimmerman, Matt Miller, Chad Hoese, David Cohrs, and Jay Mackedanz.

The McLeod County Corn & Soybean Growers Association held a special fuel event at the Little Dukes fuel station in Glencoe this fall. The group partnered with the station to offer drivers discounts on Unleaded 88 and flex fuels. And, it purchased food items that have corn as an ingredient at the neighboring Coborn’s grocery store and donated them to a local food shelf. The event showcased the generosity and entrepreneurial spirit of Minnesota’s county grower associations.

County growers prepare for annual meetings

A scene from a past Rock County Corn & Soybean Growers Association annual meeting.

Throughout the winter, many county grower associations will host their annual meetings. County meetings provide a great opportunity for grassroots leaders to socialize and discuss farming practices, and Minnesota Corn is proud to support these efforts. Check with your local district field manager to find out more details about your county’s annual meeting. Or, click here.