Two inducted into MCGA Recruiter Hall of Fame

(Mark Johnson and Tom Williamson)

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) inducted two top MCGA recruiters to the MCGA Recruiter Hall of Fame last month.

Tom Williamson, who farms in Todd County, and Mark Johnson, who farms in McLeod County, were honored for their long-term commitment to growing membership in MCGA. Both Williamson and Johnson have recruited for more than five years and combined to add more than 750 members to MCGA.

“As a grassroots organization, we are only as strong as our membership, so we thank both Tom and Mark for their tremendous efforts to help grow membership in MCGA over the years,” MCGA President Brian Thalmann said.

Johnson, who farms south of Plato, has been on the McLeod County Corn & Soybean Growers board for nine years. His recruiting efforts have been motivated by the need for a strong farmer voice.

“If we don’t support our product, no one else will,” Johnson said. “That was my pledge while recruiting. As the minority, we have to work together to share our story.”

Tom Williamson is the president of the Todd County Corn and Soybean board. He farms near Osakis.

Williamson and Johnson will be honored at the MCGA Annual Meeting, held on Jan. 23 during MN Ag EXPO in Mankato. The MCGA Recruiter Hall of Fame grows to 10 members with their induction. Nominees for the MCGA Recruiter Hall of Fame must have recruited over 300 members and been an active recruiter for at least five years.

With more than 6,500 members, MCGA works to identify and promote opportunities for corn farmers while enhancing quality of life. To join MCGA, or learn more about the work MCGA does on behalf of Minnesota’s corn farmers, visit www.mncorn.org.