The Minnesota FFA Officer Team joined 35 other young leaders from across the state on June 14th-16th in Mankato, MN for the Minnesota Agriculture Ambassador Institute.Monday
Our journey began with a hearty breakfast at a local Perkins with a couple of teammates. After finishing our eggs, bacon, and orange juice we met up at the conference center where we were greeted by Jason Welter, the 2010 Minnesota Pork Ambassador, and Amber Skluzacek, second runner up Pork Ambassador. The conference kicked off with a short introduction from Robin Kinney, who serves as the Assistant Commissioner in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Trudy Wastweet of Minnesota Pork Producers Association, Tara Meyer the Executive Director with the Minnesota Farm and Food Coalition and Robin Kinney organized the conference. Each are strong voices and help advocate the values and experiences in agriculture. After introductions and personal stories where told, Amanda Nolz gave a short presentation. Amanda is the editor for Beef Magazine (http://beefmagazine.com/) and a fifth-generation rancher from South Dakota. She spoke on how to respond to negative press toward the industry and shared personal struggles and successes. Later in the day, Amanda also presented on the use of social media tools to reach the consumer and help them understand the agriculture story. Following a lunch with a taco bar we examined the philosophy "FISH! Catch the Energy-Release the Potential" with Dan Durheim from American Farm Bureau. The idea is based off of the Seattle Fish Market and if the "FISH!" philosophy is followed can allow you to have fun at work, make someone's day, live in the moment, and choose a positive attitude.
This gave us a fresh look at each day! Wrapping up our day we went bowling and had a pizza social!
Our journey began with a hearty breakfast at a local Perkins with a couple of teammates. After finishing our eggs, bacon, and orange juice we met up at the conference center where we were greeted by Jason Welter, the 2010 Minnesota Pork Ambassador, and Amber Skluzacek, second runner up Pork Ambassador. The conference kicked off with a short introduction from Robin Kinney, who serves as the Assistant Commissioner in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Trudy Wastweet of Minnesota Pork Producers Association, Tara Meyer the Executive Director with the Minnesota Farm and Food Coalition and Robin Kinney organized the conference. Each are strong voices and help advocate the values and experiences in agriculture. After introductions and personal stories where told, Amanda Nolz gave a short presentation. Amanda is the editor for Beef Magazine (http://beefmagazine.com/) and a fifth-generation rancher from South Dakota. She spoke on how to respond to negative press toward the industry and shared personal struggles and successes. Later in the day, Amanda also presented on the use of social media tools to reach the consumer and help them understand the agriculture story. Following a lunch with a taco bar we examined the philosophy "FISH! Catch the Energy-Release the Potential" with Dan Durheim from American Farm Bureau. The idea is based off of the Seattle Fish Market and if the "FISH!" philosophy is followed can allow you to have fun at work, make someone's day, live in the moment, and choose a positive attitude.
This gave us a fresh look at each day! Wrapping up our day we went bowling and had a pizza social!Tuesday
Bright and early we loaded up three large vans and headed out to the land. Our first stop was Christensen Farms in Sleepy Eye, MN. (http://www.christensenfarms.com/) Rod Hamilton head of communications and Minnesota Representative for District 22B welcomed us to the site. Rod shared the background of the 25 year old company and its rapid growth. He also specifically spoke on current issues in law and the market affecting the pork industry. During our time at Christensen Farms we also received a thorough tour of the feed mill. The next tour was just outside of Sleepy Eye, at Port Haven Dairy. Our hosts were Tom and Mary Portner, who proudly showed us their unique dairy barns, the milking parlor, and Brown Swiss herd. Upon saying our goodbyes to the farm we headed back to town to have lunch at a local park. Brad Finstad, past Representative and Executive Director of Center for Rural Policy and Development, joined us for lunch and spoke about his experiences within politics and the need to look at changes in government through a rural lens.
We reloaded the vans and traveled to Balzer Inc. (http://www.balzerinc.com/). We were provided the opportunity to tour their plant with Randy McMahon President of the company. Balzer manufactures shredders, grain carts, and manure equipment which is sold in the US and eight other countries around the world. The final event for the day was an etiquette dinner presented by Dan Durheim. We are now more prepared at how to properly eat a five course meal. In addition, Gene Hugoson, the Agriculture Commissioner, spoke to the group about his current possition, the upcoming issues, and answered questions about how he reached the point he is at. His inside insight was intriguing.Wednesday
Our final meal together was breakfast at Famous Dave's in Mankato. An interesting place for breakfast, but very good even though it was not ribs! The morning consisted of a forum with Brad Finstad, David Preisler, Executive Director of the Pork Board, and Randy Wanke, Executive Director of Pioneer Hi-Bred, who spoke on issues facing agriculture and how we as advocates could handle these pressing issues. With this information and information from the past two days we wrote out an Advocacy Action Plan. The conference finished on an exciting note as we invited Farm Boy Brand Clothing to attend the event. We participated in a survey and brainstorm session for new design ideas.
Our final meal together was breakfast at Famous Dave's in Mankato. An interesting place for breakfast, but very good even though it was not ribs! The morning consisted of a forum with Brad Finstad, David Preisler, Executive Director of the Pork Board, and Randy Wanke, Executive Director of Pioneer Hi-Bred, who spoke on issues facing agriculture and how we as advocates could handle these pressing issues. With this information and information from the past two days we wrote out an Advocacy Action Plan. The conference finished on an exciting note as we invited Farm Boy Brand Clothing to attend the event. We participated in a survey and brainstorm session for new design ideas.
The three day Minnesota Agricultural Ambassador Institute Conference filled each participant with knowledge not only from activities and reading, but also from tours out in the field of agriculture. This conference helped to prepare young leaders to go out into the world and have the drive and desire to advocate for our great industry!
Stationed by the Rising Sun,
Jason Troendle
Sounds like an awesome time!
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