County highlights: County organizations have an active winter
It was a busy winter of events and activities for Minnesota Corn and its 52 affiliated county organizations, with many holding annual meetings, meetings with elected officials, and much more. Below is a recap of county efforts this winter from Minnesota Corn’s four district field managers. Learn more about upcoming events at mncorn.org/events.
District 1—Northwestern Minnesota
by Luke Haggerty
This winter, District 1 county organizations in Northwest Minnesota actively hosted meetings to plan for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. From organizing field days and fuel promotional events to selecting scholarship recipients, our local leaders are looking forward to a successful year ahead.
One of the season’s highlights was the Small Grains meetings held from January 7–10, which traveled to six different locations. These meetings covered various topics on corn, soybeans, and wheat, drawing crowds at all stops. A presentation was given by Minnesota Corn’s very own Dr. Maciej Kazula, titled “Your Corn Check-off at Work in Research,” which reported on research efforts that have made a significant impact on the corn industry. During this circuit, annual meetings were also held for Norman, Polk, and Clay/ Wilkin counties.
On February 20th, Douglas County hosted its annual meeting, attracting over 100 attendees, including several FFA officers from area schools. The event was a great success, featuring local grower Erica Sawatzke’s achievements and speeches from FFA students.
As we look forward, counties are planning an exciting lineup of events, including fuel promotions, field days, and more opportunities to connect with community members. We appreciate the dedication of our local associations and the continued support of our members.
District 2—Central Minnesota
by Emily Burns
This winter, District 2 actively engaged in various events and initiatives to support corn farmers across central Minnesota. During the month of January, four counties in District 2 hosted annual meetings. Each group had a great turnout and provided valuable opportunities for farmers to stay informed, network and share their support of local corn grower associations.
Benton/Sherburne corn growers gathered for a morning of speakers including a panel of local agronomists, proper well maintenance advice from Traut Companies, and the “Changing Dynamics of the U.S Ag Industry” with Kent Thiesse. Morrison/Crow Wing and Meeker County corn grower associations hosted evenings of engagement and insightful discussions for their members.
A highlight of McLeod County’s banquet was Machinery Pete recounting his background and involvement with auctions! District 2 had four more annual meetings slated for March, hosted in Wright/Hennepin, Renville, Todd and Nicollet/ Sibley counties. These meetings serve as gatherings for farmers to exchange knowledge and hear updates on research and policy developments.
Nicollet/ Sibley’s annual meeting was a casino night, and they were excited to bring in a new crowd of members. Many county boards are already in the process of planning summer engagement activities. These events continue to serve as a spotlight to District 2’s dedication to supporting local farmers, and we hope to see you there!
District 3—Southeastern Minnesota
by Kaylee Wendt
The county boards in District 3 stayed busy over the winter by holding meetings and planning for various events and sponsorships. In January the Olmsted/ Wabasha board held their annual meeting and had great attendance. Mower, Le Sueur/ Scott, Dakota/Rice, and Dodge County boards all hosted their annual meetings in March.
Also, in March was Promoting Modern Agriculture (PMA), an event sponsored in part by the Winona County Corn Growers. PMA is a great event that fundraises to give out scholarships to local students. Additionally, the Waseca board will be holding their annual meeting on April 7th. The local MCGA board members spoke at several of the annual meetings and gave legislative updates. Over the past few months Dakota/Rice, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, and Freeborn County boards all offered scholarship opportunities for students in their communities.
Back in February the Dodge County board held a membership mailing to connect with lapsed members. Then in March the Olmsted/ Wabasha board hosted a First Aid Course taught by local EMTs and attendants received free first aid kits. This winter/ spring both Dakota/Rice and Waseca County boards participated in their local Ag in the Classroom programs.
The county boards in District 3 have also stayed busy sponsoring and participating in local events throughout the winter. They look forward to a packed full summer, with many more events on the horizon!
District 4—Southwestern Minnesota
by Macy Kahler
District 4 has been busy this winter with annual meetings. Lincoln County celebrated 25 years! They held their annual meeting and scholarship auction in early February and raised over $26,000. All the money raised will go directly back to helping the students in Lincoln County financially as they attend college.
Watonwan, Lyon, Yellow Medicine and Swift counties also held their annual meetings where the members in attendance were able to hear corn updates from our state board and council members on what their checkoff money is doing for them, as well as hear from other speakers.
There have been many regular county meetings as well for planning summer events and activities. This summer, you can look forward to golf outings, parades, tractor pulls and many other events and activities throughout District 4, that the counties will be involved in. Stay up to date on our events page on the website (mncorn.org/events) and join us at these events.
