Thursday kicked off with a presentation by MDA Assistant Commissioner, Patrice Bailey and MDA Emerging Farmer and Outreach Coordinator, Lillian Otieno. They shared key aspects of the new initiatives aimed at assisting emerging farmers who often have far greater struggles entering agriculture than individuals with prior familial connections to production agriculture. They described how these, and other efforts, are focused on increasing and supporting diverse beginning farmers.
Following a brief networking break, Sue Knott and Keri Sidle from Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) provided an overview of their mission and resources that MARL participants should know about. They engaged small groups of MARL participants in trying out agriculture teaching activities that could be taken into local K12 classrooms to promote agriculture. Several class members have immediate plans to make connections with local teachers and share their passion for agriculture in this way.
Members of Class XI coordinated their individual and small group meetings with their district’s legislators early afternoon. It was impressive to see you much time several legislators spent with members, listening, sharing openly, and encouraging all to reach out and stay in touch. Members later shared how authentic and real their conversations unfolded. A very exclusive and meaningful experience. Thanks to all legislators who allowed this to happen!
As members were coming and going to the Capitol for their meetings, there was alternative programming offered for those present. A small group coaching session, as well as a session on Carbon Credits in agriculture by Extension Specialist Jodi DeJong-Hughes.
To conclude programming for the afternoon, Patricia Williamson, Principal Scientist at Cargill and Nelson Neale, Vice President of CHS each shared a brief presentation about themselves and their organizations, followed by Q&A. Both Cargill and CHS are great examples of the important role that agriculture and food industries are to Minnesota, and what the Twin Cities has to offer in terms of ag and food career opportunities. Both Patricia and Nelson shared their individual passions, yet collectively put into perspective how the work our state does in agriculture has a global impact.
Thursday evening was the social event and banquet at which several past MARL class members and key stakeholders were present. The keynote presenter for the banquet was Bill Gordon from MARL Class IV. His keynote presentation highlighted his own international MARL experience, encouraged our class to maintain an open mind when going to Ecuador, and ensured MARL Class XI was prepared with a growth mindset. He used his experience as the President of the American Soybean Association to communicate this valuable messaging.
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