Concerted efforts strengthen grassroots: MCGA Field District 5
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
Invitations are the simple, effective means to getting people to join. Or rejoin. Tanner Sanborn is MCGA Field District 5 Manager for 12 counties in south central and southeastern Minnesota.
When Sanborn held his regular meetings with the local corn grower boards in Dodge and Mower County each group landed on building membership as their big push for this year.
“They stepped up to the plate,” said Sanborn. “We sent out mail pieces to all the lapsed members. We drew up a wonderful letter that explained why growers should be members of MCGA, and then we gathered as a group, packed envelopes and sent those out. It was a concerted effort from both of the counties. Done in a very short timeframe. Early response in both counties looks very promising.”
Sanborn has held the role of MCGA Field District 5 Manager since August 2018 and finds helping growers connect with each other and the general public in their counties to be very rewarding work. Stuffing envelopes is very behind-the-scenes, but four of his counties, with another three joining in some years, also put on one of the biggest splash events of the season—a free night at the race track called Tasseldega Nights. Sanborn says Tasseldega Nights continues to offer great visibility for corn and ethanol.
“This year we are returning to the roots of the event—we are actively working to spotlight the ethanol education aspect,” said Sanborn.
Winona County is already planning ahead for 2022, to bring back its celebrated PMA—Promoting Modern Agriculture gathering, which serves as an annual meeting and public event that combines the efforts and serves the needs of the local Farm Bureau, Winona County Corn Growers, as well as other local groups. By leveraging their combined efforts, they are able to offer a meal for 300-400 people, and a highlight of the event is the announcement of the scholarship winners awarded to students pursuing ag careers.
Steele County and Waseca County are each planning in-person events (as possible) that feature a touch of agritourism, bringing people out to the country for some tasty local cooking and brewery offerings, as well as a chance to talk to farmers about how their food is raised.
County organizations are also working to find new and unique ways to connect as well.
“Olmsted/Wabasha Corn Growers will be holding a trap-shooting event, with a silent auction and beanbag toss tournament—so that there is something for everyone at the event,” Sanborn reported.
Sanborn grew up in Mazeppa, Minnesota, where his father and brother still raise cattle and some pigs. When he was younger, Tanner was involved in 4-H, and showed cattle in the region and also a number of times at the State Fair. While at University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Sanborn joined AGR, an ag fraternity, which was the start of building his career network. FFA is another important organization to Sanborn. During college he got his State and America FFA degree.
“That was what was neat about joining the MCGA staff,” said Sanborn. “My family, we just weren’t big cash croppers back on the home farm. We raised livestock. But MCGA saw that as an opportunity when they brought me aboard.”
Meet and connect with your local District Field Manager here.
MCGA is building a more sustainable future for the state’s corn farmers by making a difference in your community, at the State Capitol and in Washington, D.C. But like all grassroots organizations, MCGA gathers its strength from its members. Join today!
