2015 Foundation Review

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P.O. Box 64370St. Paul, MN 55164651-768-2100 Fax: 651-768-2159info@�mn.org �mn.org

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The mission of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation is to provide opportunities for supporters of agriculture to invest in people and programs focused on supporting active farmers

and agriculturalists, better connecting agriculture to consumers and serving rural communities.

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation is poised to do just that.

In celebration of Minnesota Farm Bureau’s 100th Anniversary, we invite you to join the Minnesota Farm Bureau Century Club, a fundraising campaign to commemorate the past and celebrate the future of the Minnesota Farm Bureau.

This fund will assist in the development of programs and endeavors that encourage leadership development, agriculture education and outreach to an increasingly non-farm culture.

Your support of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation through the Century Club will ensure unification of past, present and future leaders of the organization behind a common mission – preserving our way of life by ensuring the development of leaders equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

2015Annual

FoundationReview

•

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation

Century Club


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Century Club MembersKevin DahlmanRobin KinneyLarry LarsonMark MaiersFran MironKevin PaapThe Stark Family

Join the Century Club

Today!

Be a part of the Minnesota Farm Bureau

Century Club today with a contribution of

$1,000 or a pledge totaling $1,000.

Pacesetters(Pledged to attain Century Club)Nada CarterDave JohnsonMiles KuschelRuth MeirickChris RadatzRobert Shepard

For more information, contact Ruth Meirick, DirectorMinnesota Farm Bureau FoundationPO Box 64370 • St. Paul, MN 55164

651-768-2115 • www.�mn.org


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DATIONFoundation Thank Yous continued

In 1986, the Minnesota Farm Bureau Board of Directors created the Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation. The focus was to grow, support and enhance agricultural education, safety education and leadership development. The mission is to provide opportunities for supporters of agriculture to invest in people and programs focused on supporting active farmers and agriculturalists,

better connecting agriculture to consumers and serving rural communities.

The MFB Foundation has continued and enhanced its efforts on agricultural education and safety education both with consumers and youth and continued education and leadership opportunities for farm and ranch families. These local outreach opportunities are supported by our Agricultural Promotion Grant program, now in its 12th year, which provides $40,000 to county Farm Bureaus to support consumer outreach activities such as Breakfast on the Farms, I Met a Farmer Tours and Farmers Market activities.

The MFB Foundation believes strongly in investing in today’s youth for tomorrow’s leaders by investing in educational and leadership development opportunities for them. During the last 16 years, the Foundation awarded over $200,000 in scholarships and grants that fund programs and projects designed to help improve agriculture and the quality of life for rural Minnesota. We have touched the lives of thousands of Minnesotans through our focus on agricultural education, safety education, leadership development and scholarships.

Safety tools such as the Agriculture Transportation Handbook, trespass flier and grain bin stickers are sought after resources.

The Speak for Yourself program has trained over 60 farmers and ranchers who are actively sharing their farm story to key influencer audiences such as service organizations, mom groups, businesses and high school classrooms. The Speak for Yourself program has reached nearly three million consumers since its inception in 2010.

This past year was the inaugural year of the Paul Stark Memorial Scholarship fund which kicked off at the 2014 MFBF Annual Meeting. Over $22,000 was raised for this fund during our Foundation’s auction.

The Foundation continues to actively develop and promote new programs that benefit rural Minnesota and its people. New programs and activities this past year included: Ÿ Gifts of Grains program where farmers can donate commodities;Ÿ Give to the Max Day;Ÿ Century Club;Ÿ Agriculture in the Classroom activities in the Minnesota State

Academy for the Deaf and the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind, as well as, in the metropolitan area; and

Ÿ Supplying the American Farm Bureau Federation’s new Food and Farm Fact Guide to key influencers throughout Minnesota.

Population shifts have resulted in fewer people living on farms and ranches and in rural communities. This has profound ramifications for agriculture and our way of life.

That is why your generous support of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation is so important. Your support shows you care about developing leaders and enhancing awareness of agriculture.

On behalf of the nearly 30,000 farm and ranch families of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, thank you for your kind support of the MFB Foundation.

KEVIN PAAPMINNESOTA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE

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from CDE invites to state convention. Your devotion to our organization and agriculture is greatly appreciated. It is because of support such as yours that our chapter is able to excel. Once again, thank you.

Sincerely,LeRoy-Ostrander FFA Chapter

Dear MFB Foundation,On behalf of the Paynesville Area

FFA Chapter, as well as the Minnesota FFA Association, I would like to thank you for your support to our annual state convention. State convention is a fun part of the year for me as well as many other members of our chapter and other chapters around the state. Our chapter brought 22 members to state convention and attended a multitude of different events and competitions, including ag mechanics, dairy judging, horse judging, band, creed speaking, public speaking, job interview, small animal and many others. We also had two of our members achieve their state degrees.

Those fun and knowledgeable experiences would not have been possible if it wouldn’t have been for your generosity and support. I was unable to attend your movie, but some fellow members told me it was great! We truly appreciate that you offer that for us to partake in. Once again, on behalf of the Paynesville Area FFA Chapter, as well as the Minnesota FFA Association, I would like to thank you for your support of our state convention this past year and we hope to have your support into the future!

Sincerely,Andrew LenzmeierPaynesville Area FFA Secretary

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your support of the

Minnesota FFA. It is much appreciated.

Thanks again,Lonnie SchuelkeMinneota FFA

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you so much for your

generous support of the 86th Annual Minnesota FFA Convention! Our chapter had the opportunity to send 22 members who competed in parliamentary procedure, fish and wildlife, ag mechanics, Farm Bureau Discussion Meet and Best Informed Greenhand. In addition, members attended leadership workshops that are also benefitting our chapter.

This experience would not have been possible without your support! Thank you for aiding in providing these opportunities for our members!

Thank you for your support of FFA!

Glencoe-Silver Lake FFA Chapter

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you so much for

supporting the Minnesota FFA. The donations of time and money you put in to help out in our organization is an incredibly generous gift. The positive feedback we’ve received from those students who attended was awesome. The Russell-Tyler-Ruthton Chapter was represented in 11 different CDEs, two state degrees and two members of the honor band. The grand success of this event was due in large part to you and your efforts. On behalf of our chapter, students and parents, thank you for sharing your energy, talents and time.

Russell-Tyler-Ruthton FFA Officer Team

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your support of

agricultural education and the FFA in Minnesota. Your 2015 contribution to the Minnesota FFA Foundation helps as we support thousands of young people across the state as they experience leadership programs in agriculture. Your investment in the over 25,000 students enrolled in agricultural education makes a difference.

Minnesota FFA members are actively involved with another school year, full of opportunities to grow and develop into young leaders. With your support, quality programs were held, allowing members to learn about agricultural careers, develop leadership skills and receive recognition for outstanding efforts.

Your donation supported the showing of the Farmland documentary at the Minnesota FFA Convention.

Sincerely,Val AarsvoldExecutive Director

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your support! The

Parkers Prairie FFA Chapter THANKS YOU for supporting the 86th Minnesota State FFA Convention.

Parkers Prairie FFA

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for sponsoring the

Farmland movie showing at our Minnesota FFA Convention. The convention was a great success and experience for the 43 members from the AFSA FFA Chapter. Our State Convention would not have been such a great success without your support.

AFSA FFA Officer Team


commitment and support to the FFA! It is very appreciated!

Jack BroderiusBLHS FFA

Dear MFB Foundation,We sincerely appreciate your

contribution to the State FFA Convention. We had 22 members from our FFA Chapter qualify, attend and participate in the 2015 State FFA Convention this year. It was an awesome experience! Without contributors like you, this event could not be as successful or educational as it is. You assist the FFA in accomplishing their mission to make a positive difference in our lives by developing our potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Thank you for being a sponsor, in doing so, we also thank you for believing in this great organization and in us!

Thank you,Norman County West FFA

Dear MFB Foundation,On behalf of all of the Foley FFA

members, we would like to thank you for providing sponsorship for various activities at the 86th annual Minnesota Convention. We appreciate your support.

Sincerely,Foley FFA Delegates

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for awarding the 2015

Gopher Dairy Camp a grant for this year! This contribution made it possible for our camp to be successful and able to work with 82 campers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan.

Thanks!Gopher Dairy Camp Chairs and Campers

Dear MFB Foundation,AFSA would like to thank you for

your contribution to our school. This generous support of our school allows us to make this a great place for student success and

growth as well as provide opportunities for us to give back to the community in service.

Thank you!Academy for Sciences and Agriculture High School

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for the medals my

judging team won. We like the medals. I will do this again next year. I think the rest of my team will do it too.

Thanks!Joseph Mueller


champion individual judge at the 2015 MN Beef Expo. It’s a great honor to receive this award.

Thank you so much.Wesly Johnson

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you to the Minnesota Farm

Bureau Foundation for sponsoring our medallions from the 1st place adult livestock judging team at Beef Expo. We are just starting our career in college as judgers and could not thank you enough for the support!

Emma Penzenstadler, Rachel Engel, Maggie Larson and Paige Netzke

Kevin Paap, PresidentDan Glessing, Vice PresidentChris Radatz, SecretaryDave Johnson, TreasurerLarry LarsonRobert RoelofsCarolyn Olson

Nathan CollinsFran MironJohn Gilbertson, Sr.Mike GundersonKristy MironTaLana Mathiowetz

County Board ChallengeThank you to the following County Board of Directors who participated in the County Board Challenge. This year we had a 54 percent increase in county Farm Bureau participation.

Ÿ Anoka County FB* Ÿ Arrowhead Regional Ÿ Becker County FBŸ Blue Earth County FBŸ Brown County FBŸ Carver County FBŸ Cass County FBŸ Crow Wing County FBŸ Dakota County FBŸ Dodge County FBŸ East Otter Tail County FBŸ Faribault County FBŸ Freeborn County FBŸ Goodhue County FBŸ Grant County FBŸ Houston County FBŸ Kandiyohi County FB

Ÿ Lincoln County FBŸ Lyon County FBŸ Mahnomen County FBŸ Northwest Regional FBŸ Martin County FBŸ Meeker County FBŸ Mower County FBŸ Nicollet County FBŸ Norman County FBŸ Northwest Regional FBŸ Olmsted County FBŸ Rice County FBŸ Scott County FBŸ Sibley County FBŸ Steele County FBŸ Traverse County FBŸ Wabasha County FBŸ Waseca County FBŸ Washington-Ramsey

County FBŸ Watonwan County FBŸ West Otter Tail County FBŸ West Polk County FBŸ Wright County FB

MFB Foundation Board of Directors

2015 Foundation

County Board Challenge

as of October 20, 2015county board

members who have donated $10 per person

*FB denotes Farm Bureau

Foundation Thank Yous continued

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Helping the public to understand

For nearly 30, years the Minnesota Farm Bureau has been providing a dedicated funding source for agriculture education programs and leadership activities throughout Minnesota. The Foundation is changing the way people think about the food we eat and the farmers and ranchers who raise it. From grade schools to college campuses and grocery stores to the farm, the Foundation is funding ways to promote agriculture and develop future agricultural leaders. Work is ongoing to help the public understand how agriculture impacts their daily lives.

This annual report outlines several of the projects and programs that the Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation supports. We are proud of these accomplishments and are grateful to the many hands that dedicate time and effort to ensure each program is successful.

I want to extend our appreciation to everyone who has supported the MFB Foundation. With help from many individuals, organizations and business partners, the Foundation continues to contribute to agricultural education, research, safety and leadership programs.

In closing, thank you to all those who have been so generous. I encourage anyone interested in maintaining a strong and viable agriculture and rural Minnesota to consider a tax-deductible gift to the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation.

DIRECTOR’SLETTER

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w The Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation established the Paul Stark Memorial Scholarship Program for incoming college freshman and sophomores. More than $22,000 was donated to this scholarship program in its inaugural year.

w The MFB Foundation raised more than $365,000 for programs that support agriculture education, leadership development and safety education.

w 52 county Farm Bureaus in Minnesota received more than $38,000 in agriculture promotion grant funding.

w Voting delegates who donated mileage to the Foundation donated $3,274.

w The $2 voluntary donation on the dues notices added up to $14,355 for the MFB Foundation.

w The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation hired an intern for first time ever. Katie Schmitt of Benton County assisted at the Leadership Conference and throughout the summer with Foundation activities.

w Four scholarships and 22 organizations received funding from the MFB Foundation, totaling more than $30,250 this past year.

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your time and

support for the fourth annual Farm Camp Minnesota. With your help, we are able to educate over 150 campers each day this year from all over southern Minnesota, the Twin Cities, Rochester, Iowa and Wisconsin.

An event like this would not be possible without your help and expertise. We look forward to working with you again at next year’s Farm Camp Minnesota. Remember to check out www.farmcampminnesota.com for pictures from this year’s camp.

Kathy GuseFarm Camp Minnesota Planning Committee


Reserve Senior Market Beef Showmanship plaque. The plaque will always remind me how this moment feels. Your donation is greatly appreciated.

Katelyn Hartwig

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your sponsorship

of the champion other breed gilt plaque. Your support is very much appreciated.

Kyila Schwen


Reserve Champion Dairy Showperson Advanced Division award. It has always been one of my goals to make it into the top five within the showmanship class. I have been working with my Brown Swiss cow, Caycee, for three years now and each year we have traveled to the State Fair together. This is an amazing accomplishment for me.

Thanks again!Lauren Hendel

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for the donation of

the plaque for the senior showmanship. I am from Stearns County and have been showing sheep most of my life. It has always been a hobby of mine and something I look forward to throughout the year. Thanks again. Without you, none of this would be possible.

Maesyn Thiesen

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you, Minnesota Farm

Bureau Foundation. Thank you for all your support and donations toward the 4-H. The plaque is very much appreciated.

DJ Scotting

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your contribution

designated to the Minnesota 4-H Science of Agriculture Challenge. Through your generosity, Minnesota 4-H is able to help young people see their potential.

As 4-H continues to create and deliver high quality educational opportunities and adventures for young people, it is evident that our success depends upon the contributions of many people like you. Your gift to the Minnesota 4-H Foundation helps enable young people to use their head, heart, hands and health to choose, learn, grow and contribute.

Thank you for being a part of helping us reach our vision that all Minnesota young people have the opportunity to gain life skills to succeed in society. Your gift makes a difference both now and for the future.

Sincerely,Cara MillerExecutive DirectorMinnesota 4-H Foundation

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your continued

support of FFA. It is greatly appreciated. This year, I competed in the FFA Farm Bureau Discussion Meet contest. I was a region winner and was able to compete in

the state contest. I enjoyed the experience and hope to participate in it again. Thank you for your dedication to helping teach the next generation of leaders in agriculture.

Sincerely,Emily AnnexstadSouth Central Ag ScienceAcademySt. Peter

Dear MFB Foundation,I thank you greatly for

sponsoring the Farm Bureau Discussion Meet at the Minnesota State FFA Convention. It was very fun and a great time. I look forward to next year.

Thanks again,Kaiser Kukowski


Farm Bureau Discussion Meet. I had a lot of fun in the contest and learned more about current ag issues.

Thanks!Jackson TriplettHLWW FFA

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you kindly for sponsoring

the Farm Bureau Discussion Meet! This was an excellent opportunity for me, and I had a wonderful time participating and discussing current agricultural issues and concerns.

Thank you once again!Liam FuryHLWW FFA


support for the Minnesota FFA organization. This was my first year participating in the Farm Bureau Discussion Meet, and it was definitely a wonderful experience! Thank you again for your support. The FFA truly appreciates everything you do!

Kirsten BarottGlencoe-Silver Lake

Minnesota Farm Bureau,Thank you for all you did to

support and help with the

Minnesota State FFA competitions. You change the way of our futures and help us achieve our dreams.

Thank you again,Dassel-Cokato FFA

Dear MFB Foundation,The Eden Valley-Watkins FFA

Chapter would like to thank you for sponsoring the State FFA Convention.

Thank you.Sincerely,Eden Valley-Watkins FFA


Chapter would like to thank you for putting on the Farmland movie. Our chapter loved watching the movie. Thank you.

Sincerely,Eden Valley-Watkins FFA


of the Farmland movie at the 86th Minnesota FFA Convention! Our members had a great time as they were interacting with eye-opening workshops.

Thanks again,Medford FFA


Farmland movie at state. It was really great to learn about people’s stories as different farmers. It definitely sparked our interests even more in agriculture!

Thanks so much,Duluth FFA

MN Farm Bureau,Thank you so very much for

sponsoring the showing at the 2015 MN State FFA Convention of the documentary film Farmland. You truly give 110% to our state FFA association and are a true gem to us as members and to our advisors. We appreciate your continued support of our organization and all the events that we have each year

First Foundation

Intern

Foundation highlights

KATIE SCHMITT SERVED as an intern for the Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation this past year. This was the first year that the MFB Foundation provided an internship opportunity. Katie worked on the MFB Leadership Conference, Golf Scramble, Farmfest Pork Chop Stand and Minnesota Farm Camp in Dundas. Katie attends the University of Minnesota (U of M) and is a senior majoring in animal science – industry and business. Katie is pictured with U of M President Kaler at Farm Bureau’s Farmfest booth.

w�Gift of Grain (donation of commodities)w�Century Clubw�Memorials or Tributesw�Deferred or planned giving (wills and bequests, life insurance, remainder interest)w�Outright gifts (cash, securities, real estate)w�Endowments

There are several ways to make a tax deductible contribution to the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation.

Giving Options Dedicated to connecting consumers to farmers and serving rural communities.

For more information on the donation programs contact Ruth Meirick at ruth.meirick@�mn.org or 651-768-2115.

ruth meirickMFB Foundation Director

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Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your generous gift

to the History and Heritage Campaign! Your support is greatly appreciated and will help to celebrate and preserve the history of the Minnesota State Fair.

In recognition of your contribution, you have the opportunity to personalize one 6-foot bench in the West End Market. We are preparing these benches to be ready for the 2015 State Fair.

Thank you for your support of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.

Danielle DullingerDevelopment Coordinator

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your pledge

payment to the Minnesota State Fair Foundation for our History & Heritage Campaign.

Your support is for the new State Fair History & Heritage Center with educational exhibits and programs that tell the 150-year story of the Minnesota State Fair. Located on the west side of the fairgrounds, the comprehensive project includes a new gateway, transit hub, retail spaces, performance venues and guest amenities. The Center is prominently featured near the new entrance with exhibits that connect generations of State Fair and Minnesota families.

We appreciate your support of the History & Heritage Campaign and our Foundation mission to improve State Fair buildings, grounds and educational experiences.

Thank you.Sincerely,Kay CadyExecutive Director

Dear MFB Foundation,I would like to thank you for your

generous donation. It truly makes cattle showing possible.

Sincerely,Kade Knapp

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for sponsoring this

year’s Minnesota Junior Spring Classic Beef Show (MJSC). I am excited to be here, and look forward to this coming summer showing.

Thank you,Kelly Morrison


generous donation towards the 2015 MJSC Beef Show. MJSC is a

not-for-profit organization that encourages youth from around Minnesota and surrounding states to participate in an educational weekend including boot camp, showmanship contest and junior show. Thanks again!

Sincerely,Lexi Wetzel


sponsoring an award at the MJSC Beef Show 2015. Your donation makes things like this possible. Once again thank you for your donation!

Rylie Beus

Dear MFB Foundation,Thanks to your support, the 2015

Minnesota Junior All-Breeds Convention was a huge success! There were 71 junior members in attendance, and nearly all competed in dairy jeopardy, dairy quiz bowl or prepared speaking. We also learned about bottling milk on Autumnwood Farm, listened to advice from Accelerated Genetics CEO Joel Groskreutz and practiced some cool new dance moves. Because of you, our members were able to do all of this in addition to making new friends and memories.

We are looking forward to the rest of our year with our next event being the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association State Show held in Worthington on June 18. You can keep updated by liking our Facebook page, Minnesota Junior Holstein Association.

Sincerely,Jeni Haler2014 Vice President

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you! We just received the

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation’s generous donations to the Minnesota 4-H Foundation Annual Fund and the 2015 State Fair Animal Science Awards, and it means the world to us. Every day we look forward to opening the mail because of supporters like you. Financial backing enables us to provide 65,000 Minnesota youth with hands on learning opportunities through programs, like STEM.

We are so lucky to have you as a donor. Thank you for investing in our organization and in the Minnesota 4-Hers we serve. Your generous gift will go to good use, and we’ll make sure to keep you informed about what is happening with Minnesota 4-H!

Thank you again for your investment in the Minnesota 4-H

Foundation. We look forward to your continued partnership with providing opportunities for youth to learn, lead and succeed.

Sincerely,Frank MumfordDirector of Annual Giving

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for sponsoring me in

the Minnesota State Fair 4-H dairy showcase. This is my first year being part of the 4-H dairy showcase. I am a sophomore at the U of MN, studying animal science. I plan on dairy farming after graduation.

Andrew Krause


Bureau Foundation, of your support of the 4-H dairy project. Sponsoring the reserve champion dairy showperson advanced division award is a very supportive act of kindness. Your donation means a lot to the 4-H dairy project, and I’m very grateful of that. Thank you again.

Brady Engquist


award supporting 4-H. This was my first year at the state fair, and I had lots of fun. I look forward to showing for many years to come.

Sincerely,Parker Benda


reserve champion breeding ewe trophy and for supporting the 4-H sheep program.

Alissa Vogles

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for supporting the

Minnesota 4-H swine program and for your sponsorship of the champion breeding gilt award. Your support is much appreciated.

Thank you,Kyila Schielle (and Chester)

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you very much for

sponsoring the senior market beef showman award. It would not be possible without sponsors like you. Thank you again! It is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,Carlie Jackson


Minnesota State Fair Livestock Judging Contest Reserve Champion Oral Reasons Individual in the Senior Division. I look forward to the judging contest every year. This is my third year judging and my hard work has paid off. My team was second and is headed to Denver in January, and I was fourth overall. Thank you for making my day more special by receiving a plaque.

Thank you again,Bailey SchnecklothJackson County

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for sponsoring my

champion senior overall individual plaque at the Minnesota State 4-H dairy judging contest. This was my seventh and final year competing in this contest.

As I reflect on my 4-H career, I am grateful for the growth opportunities 4-H has given me, and the people who have helped me along the way. I am excited to be judging at one final 4-H judging contest in Louisville, Kentucky this November. I will continue judging at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where I am currently a sophomore studying animal science and agricultural and food business management. Thank you again. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,Gabriella Sorg


Each year the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation presents four deserving students from Farm Bureau families with a $500 Al Christopherson Scholarship during the Minnesota Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting. Recognition was given during the Friday night awards banquet on November 21, 2014 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bloomington.

“The qualifications and goals of these students are exemplary of the bright future of agriculture,” said MFBF President Kevin Paap. “Investing in the education of Minnesota’s rural youth is an important mission for the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation.”

Christine Leonard (pictured far right)Christine Leonard is the daughter of Tim and Amy Leonard of

Carver County. She is attending University of Wisconsin-Stout, majoring in food science and technology with a communications emphasis.

“I’m very honored to have been selected as a Farm Bureau scholarship recipient,” said Leonard. “Not only does this scholarship help financially, but it helps to know that I have the support of the farming community as I pursue a degree in food communications.”

Jared Luhman (pictured second from right)Jared Luhman is the son of Jon and Terri Luhman and Holly and

Dan Fifield of Goodhue County. He graduated in spring of 2015 from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, majoring in agricultural education.

“I feel blessed to know an organization like the Minnesota Farm Bureau believes in me enough to support my education,” said Luhman. “I’m excited to take this education and use it to strengthen the opportunities within and share the story of agriculture that I love so much.”

Sarah Marketon (pictured far left)Sarah Marketon is the daughter of Bob and Annette Marketon

of Wright County. She is attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, majoring in agricultural education with an emphasis on leadership and communications.

“I am honored to receive a scholarship from the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation,” said Marketon. “The funds will help me complete my degree in agricultural education at the University of Minnesota.”

Evan Robertson (pictured second from left)Evan Robertson is the son of Gary and Annette Robertson of Lac

qui Parle County. He is attending North Dakota State University, majoring in agricultural systems management.

“I am very thankful to Farm Bureau for selecting me for this scholarship. It will help me further my knowledge in agriculture at NDSU and help me learn what it takes to become a successful businessman and a promoter of agriculture,” said Robertson.

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Announces Paul Stark Memorial Scholarship

The Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation announced the Paul Stark Memorial Scholarship fund during the 2014 Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Annual Meeting in Bloomington.

The new scholarship was announced as part of the MFB Foundation’s auction. Stevens County Farm Bureau kicked off the fundraising by donating $4,500 and auctioning a bench which was donated by the family of Paul Stark to establish the fund. During the auction, an additional $10,000 was raised through the generosity of individuals and county Farm Bureaus.

The first two - $500 Paul Stark Memorial Scholarships were awarded at the MFBF 2015 Annual Meeting.

Any person who is a Farm Bureau member or qualifies under their family’s membership is eligible to apply. The applicant must be enrolled in an accredited school going into their freshman or sophomore year of college or technical college.

Al Christopherson Scholarship Winners

Continued...


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Dear MFB Foundation,On behalf of Minnesota

Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) and its Board of Directors, I would like to THANK YOU for your 2014-2015 contribution.

This donation will be used to support the many valuable agricultural literacy programs produced each year. Your contribution will enable us to reach thousands of students throughout the state. MAITC is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax-deductible.

Regards,Joel Mathiowetz


the AgStar Miracle of Birth Center. Farm Bureau has been a big part of our success. We really appreciate your willingness to do this.

The AgStar Miracle of Birth Center would like to thank you for your support and participation in our agricultural education exhibit at the Olmsted County Fair. 140,000 visitors attended the fair, and we are sure most of them visited the center. The new attraction in 2014 was a raised duck pond for easy viewing of the newly hatched ducklings and an education wall including memorial benches for leisurely resting. People were amazed at the births of five dairy calves, 51 piglets, 45 chicks and 8 ducklings. Births were tracked and calf names were tallied on our Facebook page. We hope you continue your support and join us next year the Olmsted County Fair.

Sincerely,The AgStar Miracle of Birth CommitteeJeannette Sheehan

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you very much for the

generous check. It is so cool that several groups held a competition that raised that much money. We

feel very fortunate to have partners like the Farm Bureau, and we will do our best to use your gift wisely.

Enjoy the holiday season!Tony MansSecond Harvest Heartland


to Kids Against Hunger-Cambridge. Your donations and your involvement does make a difference here in our own backyard as we help supply 17 local foodshelves with Kids Against Hunger food. You are also helping feed the hungry overseas. We are aware of tremendous needs in countries like Liberia, Ukraine, Syria and the ongoing needs of recovering Philippines.

We had a great year last year, 2014! We packed our one-millionth meal as well as packing more food than any previous year and involving more volunteers than ever before. Thank you for being part of ending hunger in the world.

Thank you for participating through packing and donating.

Sincerely,Jeff BoyumDirector, Kids Against HungerCambridge

Dear MFB Foundation,I would like to take this

opportunity to thank you for selecting me as one of your 2014 scholarship recipients. I feel honored to have received this generous award and will be applying it to my studies at North Dakota State University where I will be graduating a year from now. I have enjoyed my time in the agricultural systems management program as well as being active in extracurricular activities and have worked with some awesome people there.

My working experiences on the farm and off the farm; at the Finley

Farmers Grain and Elevator in Finley, ND, have been valuable learning lessons in helping me decide which direction I would like to pursue in the field of agriculture once I graduate. Growing up in a Farm Bureau family has expanded my awareness of how important it is for farmers to be active in public policy for our future depends on making the right decisions and choices for our families and businesses.

My parents have spoken highly of Al Christopherson, past President of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, and his wife, during their involvement in this organization, so I am very grateful and humbled to have received a scholarship in his name. Thank you again for the award, the banquet meals, and for all of the support you have shown us young people, who are pursuing our goals with regards to the future of agriculture. I am glad my parents are Farm Bureau members.

Sincerely,Evan Robertson


fantastic prize I was awarded at this year’s Annual Meeting. I am still in sort of a state of shock. My experience in the past with Farm Bureau has been very rewarding and has given me many opportunities. The people I have met and learned from have helped me a great deal. Again, thank you to both members and staff.

Kurt Blomgren


honoring me with your 2014 Ag Communicator of the Year award. I deeply appreciate the recognition. Minnesota is so blessed with its vast natural resources, farms and ag industries. Lots of good stories to share!

Thanks again!Paula MohrAnokaEditor, The Farmer

Dear MFB Foundation,The opportunity to attend the

AFBF Annual Convention was a great experience for LuAnn and I. We are grateful for the chance to represent Minnesota Farm Bureau.

My initial thoughts about the event… “Great to be in a warm climate in January!” and “The AFBF and all the attendees are really something to crow about!”

I sure appreciate all of your efforts to promote and

communicate the agricultural messages and to share with others the effective manner in which it can be accomplished.

Kind regards,Brad and LuAnn Schloesser

Dear MFB Foundation,My name is Christine Leonard and

I was a 2014 Al Christopherson Scholarship winner. I am a food science major with a communications emphasis at UW-Stout. I wanted to extend a huge thank you for this scholarship – it is so wonderful to have the support of the farming community as I work towards being an agriculture communicator.

Thanks!Christine Leonard

Dear MFB Foundation,In this season of giving thanks, I

want to tell you just how much your generosity and support is appreciated. Your gift helps ensure that thousands of our hungry neighbors can get the food and nutrition they need in the coming months.

Because of you, a hungry senior won’t have to choose between food and medicine. A working family won’t have to make a difficult decision between food and other necessities during these cold winter months. Because of you, a hungry child will receive the nutrition necessary to focus in school and experience the joy this season can bring.

From your friends at Second Harvest Heartland and on behalf of those we serve, thank you for making a difference and providing hope to those who need it most. Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season.

Thanks so much to you and the whole Minnesota Farm Bureau Team! We’re so grateful.

Sincerely,Rob ZeaskeChief Executive Officer

Dear MFB Foundation,Your gift has been received by

the University of Minnesota Foundation and will be directed to the University of Minnesota beef team.

Your gift plants the seed of knowledge and discovery, inspiring hope for a brighter future. We are grateful for your support!

Mike FiltermanChair, University of Minnesota Foundation

Foundation Thank Yous512

The Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation recognized and awarded outstanding agricultural professionals during the Minnesota Farm Bureau’s 2014 Annual Meeting. Recipients received a trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in San Diego, California in January 2015.

Award winners are nominated by their county Farm Bureaus. For information about nominating an Ag Communicator, Extension Educator, FFA Advisor or Post-Secondary Ag Educator for next year’s award, contact your county Farm Bureau office.

w�Ag Communicator of the Year Award Paula MohrThe Ag Communicator of the Year award

was given to Paula Mohr. This award is presented because an important mission of Farm Bureau is to inform the public about its policy positions and to tell agriculture’s story.

Mohr is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in agricultural communications. She is the editor/reporter for The Farmer magazine and is responsible for writing monthly editorials, blogging and working with freelance writers.

“My hope and intent as a journalist is to accurately inform and educate my readers about issues and stories that matter and are of interest to them,” said Mohr.

“The Farmer is a state-wide publication, having covered Minnesota agriculture since 1882. Its readership loyalty runs deep, and I am often humbled by those who tell me they are the third generation getting the magazine.”

“I am very humbled and honored to receive the ag communicator award from Minnesota Farm Bureau,” said Mohr.

w�Extension Educator of the Year AwardAmanda SommersThe Extension Educator of the Year

award was presented to Amanda Sommers of Waseca. This award recognizes the important role that Extension educators play in helping farmers keep up-to-date on new technology and training future agricultural leaders.

Sommers has been an extension educator for eight years. She began working as the Blue Earth County Interim 4-H Program Coordinator before being hired full-time. She currently coordinates county 4-H activities and oversees all the 4-H Clubs. Her 4-H program has about 270 members. As the coordinator, she is responsible for managing activities like the county fair, summer day camps, leader trainings, member enrollment and officer trainings. Her position extends into the community as many partnerships have been formed through 4-H. For instance,

the Safety Day Camp is a partnership between 4-H and Mankato and North Mankato’s police departments, fire departments and local community health educators.

She feels 4-H is vitally important to the future of the agriculture. Her goal as a 4-H program coordinator is to provide an impact on young people and serve as a role model to the youth in the 4-H program.

“I am very happy to be honored by Farm Bureau. I’m thankful that Farm Bureau recognizes 4-H and Extension professionals as it has strong roots to agriculture,” said Sommers.

w�FFA Advisor of the Year Award Mary HoffmannThe FFA Advisor of the Year award was

presented to Mary Hoffmann of Sleepy Eye. This award recognizes the important role these professionals play in developing agricultural leaders for tomorrow.

Hoffmann began her teaching career in Mineral Point, Wisconsin 20 years ago and for the last nine years she has been teaching in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. The agriculture program is currently at an all-time high with overall enrollment of 268 students. 76 percent of the 7th through 12th graders at Sleepy Eye signed up for an agriculture class. The FFA chapter is also at an all-time high with more than 160

Continued...AWARDS CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 w

PAULA MOHR MARY HOFFMANNAMANDA SOMMERS BRAD SCHLOESSER

Foundation Awards

6 11

The Mission of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation is to provide opportunities for

supporters of agriculture to invest in people and programs focused on supporting active farmers and agriculturalists, better connecting agriculture to consumers and serving rural communities.

Thank you to the following contributors to the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation in 2015.

Benefactor’s Society($10,000 or greater)

Ÿ AgriBankŸ AgStar Financial ServicesŸ AnonymousŸ CHS FoundationŸ Farm Bureau Financial

ServicesŸ Hormel Foods, Inc.Ÿ Minnesota Corn Growers

AssociationŸ Minnesota Soybean

Research and Promotion Council

Patron’s SocietyDiamond

($5,000-9,999))Ÿ Cargill Ag Marketing

Services, Jim NelsonŸ Cargill Inc. (Northwest

Region)Ÿ Cargill Meat SolutionsŸ Minnesota Beef CouncilŸ MonsantoŸ United FCSŸ West Central Initiative

Emerald($2,500 - $4,999)

Ÿ Enbridge Pipelines (ND) LLC

Ÿ Gislason and Hunter LLPŸ Pioneer Hi-Bred

International (DuPont Pioneer)

Ÿ Stevens County Farm Bureau

Ruby($1,000 - $2,499)

Ÿ AgCountry Farm Credit Services

Ÿ Al and Diane Christopherson

Ÿ Custom Ag SolutionsŸ Kevin and Nancy DahlmanŸ Mark and Cindy MaiersŸ Joe and Staci MartinŸ Ruth MeirickŸ Fran and Mary Ann MironŸ Jonathan and Carolyn OlsonŸ Kevin and Julie PaapŸ Peter and Carol PersonŸ Syngenta

Contributor’s SocietyGold

($500 - $999)Ÿ Ross and Dixie BoringŸ Bruce BrendenŸ Dean and Carol

ChristophersonŸ City Auto GlassŸ Davisco Foods International

(Le Sueur Cheese Co)Ÿ Donald DiekmannŸ Eberl’s Claim Service IncŸ Marlin FayŸ John and Cheryl GilbertsonŸ Dave and Amy JohnsonŸ Legend Seeds IncŸ Minnesota State

Cattlemen’s AssociationŸ Minnesota Agricultural

Interpretive CenterŸ Chris Radatz

Ÿ Craig SchutteŸ Richard StarkŸ Wanda StarkŸ Washington-Ramsey County

Farm BureauŸ Michael WojahnŸ Yellow Medicine County

Farm Bureau

Silver($250 - $499)

Ÿ Associated Milk Producers (AMPI)

Ÿ Peter BakkenŸ Carver County Farm BureauŸ CliftonLarsenAllenŸ Nathan and Jessi CollinsŸ Mark ConsoerŸ Rachel DaberkowŸ Norman and Ruth EickhoffŸ Ruth EkstromŸ Farmer’s Business Network

IncŸ Fast Seed and Precision LLCŸ Robert FritzŸ Dan and Seena GlessingŸ George GoblishŸ Goodhue County

Farm BureauŸ Glen and Melinda GrothŸ Mike and Connie GundersonŸ Jay HansonŸ Kristin and Steve HarnerŸ Willis HinkeldayŸ Alan HonermannŸ Shayne IsaneŸ Kleven Law Office PA Ÿ Guy KoehlŸ Krusemark Farms IncŸ Miles and Sarah KuschelŸ Larry and Sharon LarsonŸ Lyon County Farm BureauŸ Mark and Mary Davis

FoundationŸ McCollum, Crowley,

Moschet, Miller and Laak LTD

Ÿ Minnesota Agriculture Water Resource Center

Ÿ Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council

Ÿ Olmsted County Farm Bureau

Ÿ Paul Davis RestorationŸ Renville County Farm

BureauŸ Bob RoelofsŸ Dennis SchmidtŸ Anton SeykoraŸ Bob and Ruth ShepardŸ Scott County Farm BureauŸ James SolumŸ Eric and Danielle WatsonŸ Stanley WhitneyŸ Winona County Farm

BureauŸ Wright County Farm Bureau

Bronze($100 - $249)

Ÿ Jerril and Nancy AndrewsŸ Anoka County Farm BureauŸ Ash Trail Lodge (Deb

Wieber)Ÿ Virginia BissenŸ Blue Earth County Farm

BureauŸ Kent BoschŸ Brown County Farm BureauŸ Amanda CarlsonŸ Nada Carter

Ÿ Cynthie ChristensenŸ John and Deb ChuteŸ Dakota County Farm BureauŸ Dakota Lamb Growers

Co-OpŸ T. Brian DalyŸ Andrew (AJ) DuerrŸ Faribault County Farm

BureauŸ Jerry FastŸ FBL Financial Group IncŸ FCA Co-OpŸ Leland and Jeanne FerdenŸ Field Seed Farms, Richard

and Claire FieldŸ Fillmore County Farm

BureauŸ Ed and Shirley FrederickŸ Freeborn County Farm

BureauŸ Jeremy GeskeŸ Glen GraffŸ Gerald HansonŸ Henry and Mildred HayŸ Peter and Jennifer HenslinŸ Home Place Dairy (Nathan

and Suzanna Nelson)Ÿ Deborah and Blair HosethŸ IDEAg Group LLCŸ Integrity Medicolegal

Enterprises (Anna Rollins)Ÿ John JuusolaŸ Mike KuechleŸ Chad LarsonŸ Doug and JoAnn LawrenceŸ Le Sueur County Farm

BureauŸ Craig and Corrine LogeŸ Kirk LuckowŸ Robert MargŸ Doug and TaLana

MathiowetzŸ Joel and Amanda

MathiowetzŸ Meeker County Farm

BureauŸ Sheldon MelbergŸ Minnesota Pork BoardŸ Mower County Farm BureauŸ New Fashion Pork LLPŸ Nicollet County Farm

BureauŸ Bennett and Gloria

OsmonsonŸ Ron and Lori PagelŸ Rice County Farm BureauŸ Rock County Farm BureauŸ Roger and Linda SauerbreyŸ Kelly and Sarah SchmidtŸ Michael SchneiderŸ Jerry SchoenfeldŸ ScriptSaveŸ ServiceMaster Professional

ServicesŸ Sibley County Farm BureauŸ Yvonne SimonŸ Lucas and Alise SjostromŸ Steele County Farm BureauŸ John and Marge SteeleŸ Gene StengelŸ Joe and April SullivanŸ Lawrence Thell Ÿ Times-Citizen

CommunicationsŸ Traverse County Farm

BureauŸ Tim and Pam UhlenkampŸ United Prairie BankŸ David and Carolyn Van LohŸ Waseca County Farm

Bureau

Ÿ West Otter Tail County Farm Bureau

Ÿ Charlie WestfallŸ Debora A WhiteŸ Wilkin County Farm BureauŸ Jean and Scott WinslowŸ Matthew J WolleŸ Ronald Ziegler

Friends of the Foundation($5 - $99)

Ÿ Douglas and Karen AdamsŸ AgQuest Financial Services

IncŸ Donald AlbrechtŸ Keith AllenŸ Arrowhead Regional Farm

BureauŸ Pat BakebergŸ Beverly BartzŸ Becker County Farm BureauŸ Linda BinkleyŸ Kurt BlomgrenŸ Doug BusselmanŸ Byker’s Garage (Alan and

Susie Byker)Ÿ Duane and Norma CampbellŸ Cass County Farm BureauŸ Kevin ChamberlainŸ Rose CollinsŸ Seth and Rachel ConnellŸ Crow Wing County Farm

BureauŸ Pam DebeleŸ Dodge County Farm BureauŸ Gary DoucetteŸ East Otter Tail County Farm

BureauŸ Garfield EckbergŸ Charles and Yvonne

EricksonŸ Elva and Luverne EricksonŸ Milton and Dorothy FrickeŸ Jerry GaultŸ General Mills Your Cause

LLCŸ Robert and Joyce GillŸ Theresia GillieŸ Grant County Farm BureauŸ Sheldon and Donna HaglinŸ Hansen Agri-Commodities

LLCŸ Fred HansonŸ Randy HansonŸ Vernon HedlinŸ Mark and Sara HewittŸ David and Jean HicksŸ Jerome HolkerŸ Houston County Farm

BureauŸ Paul M IbbersonŸ John IsaacsonŸ Maynard JagodzinskeŸ David JoachimŸ Alan JohnsonŸ Chad JohnsonŸ Kandiyohi County Farm

BureauŸ GM and Kathy KarlgaardŸ Shantel KoeringŸ Randy and Linda KramerŸ Barbara KuechleŸ Curtis KuehlŸ Dave LaddŸ Paul and Ruth LanoueŸ Richard LeinoŸ Laine LewinŸ Lincoln County Farm BureauŸ Harold and Carol LittleŸ Phillip LittleŸ Dan Lippert

Ÿ Arnold and Donna MadsenŸ Mahnomen County Farm

BureauŸ David and Julie MarquardtŸ Philip and Bonnie

MarquardtŸ Martin County Farm BureauŸ John and Joyce MeisterŸ Alfred and Mary Jane MeyerŸ Roland MillsŸ Paul and Kristy MironŸ Roger MittenessŸ Paula MohrŸ Hannah MolitorŸ Lavonne NicolaiŸ Curtis and Shirley PietzŸ Judy and Steve PilcherŸ Professional Training Inst.

of America (Dareso Inc.)Ÿ Howard PrushekŸ Kenneth and Lois QuastŸ Redwood County Farm

BureauŸ Justin RoelofsŸ Erna RolfingŸ Dennis SabelŸ Steven SchoenfeldŸ Lois SchrimpfŸ Joyce SchroederŸ Doug SchultzŸ Scott SchweerŸ Vicky SinglestadŸ Donald Slinden Jr.Ÿ Darvey SloanŸ Sogge Tax Service (David

and Renee Sogge)Ÿ Virgil and Phyllis StenderŸ Donavon StrombergŸ Joel TalsmaŸ Dale ThiryŸ Stacy ThoenyŸ Tim Crowe FarmsŸ Titan MachineryŸ Barbara VarnerŸ Wabasha County Farm

BureauŸ Loren and Carol WalterŸ Darrell WannarkaŸ Watonwan County Farm

BureauŸ Joyce WelanderŸ West Polk County Farm

BureauŸ Matt and Teresa WidboomŸ Anita WolffŸ Dennis WulfŸ Earl and Lynette ZieglerŸ Jon Zieroth

In MemorialThe following individuals made donations in memorial of loved ones in the past year.Ÿ Joseph Hain – Olmsted

County Farm Bureau, Richard and Claire Field

Ÿ Lois Kressin – Richard and Claire Field

Ÿ Paul Stark – GM and Kathy Karlgaard

Ÿ Margaret Schutte – Craig Schutte

Ÿ Don Prigge – Olmsted County Farm Bureau

Ÿ Tim Slade – Winona County Farm Bureau

Ÿ Harley Boettcher – Richard and Claire Field

A Year in Pictures Donor Recognition

MARYTINA LAWRENCESPEAK FOR YOURSELF

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Year in Pictures

710

Farming Today

Minnesota farmers feed families, fuel the economy, care about their communities and are stewards of the environment. They are telling their story.

Speak For Yourself (also called Farming Today) empowers farmers to tell their stories in their own words. Farmers are trained to speak about why they do what they do, address issues in agriculture and present their stories. The program connects farmers with opportunities to speak to community and civic organizations, businesses, family and consumer science (FACS) classrooms and agriculture classrooms. Farmers share their real stories and audiences benefit from firsthand accounts of people on the front lines of agriculture.

“Encouraging farmers and ranchers to share their own story is important because so many consumers don’t know a lot about agriculture,” said Marytina Lawrence, Minnesota Farm Bureau Speak For Yourself coordinator and speaker participant. “This program not only teaches people where their food comes from, but also how agriculture is vital to our communities and the world.”

As the public has moved to urban and suburban areas, people are increasingly removed from American agriculture, oftentimes between 3-5 generations removed from the farm. The Minnesota Farm Bureau initiated the program in 2010 to bridge the communication gap between consumers and farmers.

“As consumers, we all benefit from firsthand awareness of the care and passion that farm families

put into feeding families, and the support they deserve in accomplishing that feat,” said Lawrence. “Farmers aren’t always comfortable talking about themselves, but if you’re not telling your story, someone else will tell it for you. When you can look somebody in the eye and say ’this is why I do what I do,’ it always is impactful.”

To learn more about Farming Today, visit facebook.com/FarmingTodaySpeakers or contact Marytina Lawrence, coordinator at 763-273-6981 or [email protected].

Do you know someone who should meet a farmer through a Farming Today presentation? Do you know someone in a service organization (Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, etc.), in a MOMS or MOPS group, who is a FACS or agriculture teacher, at a food manufacturing company or in other groups that would be interested in or benefit from hearing from a farmer? Contact Barbara Dodson, Farming Today scheduler at 800-711-0747, ext. 222 or [email protected].

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Farming Today (Speak for Yourself) program is made possible by a generous partnership with the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota’s Farm Credit organizations including AgStar Financial Services, United FCS, AgCountry and AgriBank, Minnesota Beef Council, Cargill, CHS and Riverview, LLP.

The Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation’s emphasis on farm safety led to the production of a Grain Bin Safety Sticker to be placed on grain bins reminding farmers to be safe when entering a grain bin. This project was funded in partnership with Yellow Medicine County Farm Bureau and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, who designated the dollars be used for farm safety. More than 1,000 stickers were created and distributed at Farmfest and the MFB Annual Meeting.

The Agriculture Transportation Handbook with state and federal statutes, rules and exemptions for transporting agricultural goods on highways was reprinted in partnership with the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and Minnesota State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspectors. Copies of the handbook and grain bin stickers are available free of charge through the MFB Foundation. For more information contact 651-768-2100 or info@�mn.org.

Working to create a positive public perception of agriculture though education is a core focus within the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation. Creating agriculturally literate students and public through programs is regarded as one of the most rewarding experiences by many of our volunteers.

This year, volunteers within Farm Bureau worked hard to teach the importance of agriculture, make farming real, worked to overcome common misconceptions about agriculture, reconnected the American public with people that grow their food and equipped agriculture leaders with skills they need to share their

story with Americans of all ages. The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation did this though opportunities to view the Farmland documentary, funding several events hosted by county Farm Bureaus, visits to classrooms in an effort to make farming real and promoting agriculture through agriculture awareness programs and the Speak for Yourself program.

Farm Bureau volunteers are pictured at Lincoln Center Elementary School in South St. Paul on April 14 who worked with second grade classrooms. Students were excited to meet real farmers and learn from them as they read “Seed Soil Sun” and helped plant their own grass seed.

Connecting CONSUMERS TO AGRICULTURE

Safety Priority Focus

Sharing the Farm Story with Consumers

speak forYOURSELF


UN

DATION

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation awarded more than in grants and $38,000contributions to county Farm Bureaus in 2015. The Foundation supports agriculture 52and safety education and leadership programs. Much of the work done is to improve perceptions of agriculture among urban and rural populations and increase understanding of agriculture and its importance in our lives and to our economy.

8 9

The Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation continued to set records at Farmfest with 5,500 pork chops sold and profits of more than $14,000, which will support agriculture and safety education, agriculture leadership development and agriculture research programs. This annual event held in early August is successful because of the many great volunteers who join in and help out at the MFB Foundation Pork Chop Stand during the

three-day Farmfest show. Hormel Foods, Inc. generously donated the pork loins for this event.

THE MINNESOTA FARM Bureau Foundation held their annual Golf Scramble on June 16 at River Oaks Golf Course near Cottage Grove raising $14,500. Funds will be used for programs focused on agriculture education, safety education and leadership development.

Ÿ AFSA High School – Farm & Community Service Days

Ÿ Christensen Farm Stage at the Minnesota State Fair

Ÿ Dairy Showcase – Minnesota State Fair

Ÿ Farm Camp MinnesotaŸ Gopher Dairy ClubŸ Inver Hills Community CollegeŸ MARL (Minnesota Agriculture

& Rural Leadership)Ÿ Midwest Dairy Association –

Princess KayŸ Minnesota 4-H FoundationŸ Minnesota Agriculture in the

ClassroomŸ Minnesota Association of

Agricultural Educators

Ÿ Minnesota Agri-WomenŸ Minnesota Beef ExpoŸ Minnesota FFA FoundationŸ Minnesota Jr. Spring ClassicŸ Minnesota Jr. Holstein

AssociationŸ Minnesota State Fair -

Minnesota Heritage ParkŸ Moo Booth – Minnesota State

FairŸ University of Minnesota – Twin

Cities – Ag Awareness DayŸ University of Minnesota – Twin

Cities – CFANS Alumni SocietyŸ University of Minnesota – Twin

Cities – Minnesota Royal

As a part of the Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation’s mission, leadership development remains a priority within the Foundation’s efforts. Programs such as the MFB Leadership Conference and the Summer Leadership Tour are supported by the MFB Foundation. The Foundation’s funding helps defray expenses and provides participants with resources that they can use in the classroom or outside.

members. She states that she truly enjoys building and rebuilding the ag and FFA programs in the schools that she has taught at. Hoffmann feels her most important role as a teacher is to provide opportunities that FFA has to offer her students.

Hoffmann’s FFA chapter conducts numerous activities throughout the year. Some examples are: Ag in the Classroom programs, a children’s barn at the county fair, Adopt-a-Senior program, Wee Deliver Writing Buddies, constructing wood duck houses and providing leadership camps. Hoffmann said safety is a key priority in her chapter. They conduct several programs including Farmfest Safety Carnival, safety puppet shows for Day Care Day at the Fair, Safety Day Camp with the Chamber of Commerce and an elementary safety program.

Hoffmann is involved in a tri-county Farm Safety 4 Just Kids chapter. In 2009, her chapter was recognized as the Volunteer Chapter of the Year. They conducted 19 safety events, logged more than 2,300 volunteer hours, taught more than 3,200 youth about farm safety topics and reached more than 69,000 people through mass media.

“I feel there are three main challenges for agriculture this century: providing the same amount of high quality food on less and less land, educating the public about the fact that farmers care about their livestock and the land, and filling agriculture jobs with qualified individuals,” said Hoffmann.

w�Post-Secondary Educator of the Year Award Brad SchloesserThe Post-Secondary Educator of the Year award was

presented to Brad Schloesser of St. Peter. This award recognizes the educators supporting production agriculture and the important role these professionals play.

Schloesser is in his 22nd year of teaching agriculture. He began teaching in Marshall Public Schools in the agriculture department and then went on to South Central College working in the post-secondary agribusiness department. He is currently the Dean of Agriculture at Southern Minnesota Center of Agriculture, supporting agriculture and learning in Minnesota within the secondary, post-secondary and adult education.

“This award confirms the joy I’ve experienced as a teacher of agriculture, having worked and learned with thousands of students in over three decades. I’m humbled, honored and proud to have the gifts to teach and work in agriculture. I feel very grateful for the recognition from Minnesota Farm Bureau,” said Schloesser.

Scholesser is a member of the Post-Secondary Agricultural Students Organization, works with the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota in the development of the “Grow It Gallery” (agriculture-related programming) and serves in an advisory capacity at the Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca. He also participates in the National TEACH AG campaign, works with the Minnesota FFA Foundation and is active in the Minnesota and National Association of Agricultural Educators.

“In southern Minnesota, approximately one in four people employed are supporting the agriculture industry in our state,” said Schloesser. “The community, economic and educational development is critical to our livelihood and the positive impact of families in our region and around the world.”

w�AWARDS CONTINUED FROM page 5

HOUSTON COUNTY FARM Bureau renovated their county fair booth to facilitate more one-on-one interactions between Farm Bureau members and consumers. They utilized a topographical map of the county, photos of conservation practices and photographic displays of farm families.

DAKOTA COUNTY FARM Bureau used an Agriculture Promotion Grant from the Minnesota Farm Bureau to assist North Trail Elementary School in Farmington in creating a school pumpkin and squash patch. In science classes, students started seeds in the spring, watched them grow and transplanted seedlings to the patch on school property. In the end, they planted over 200 jack-be-little pumpkin seeds, 100 gourd seeds and 150 squash that were harvested and prepared at the school.

GR

AN

T H

IGH

LIG

HT

S

Pork Chop Stand Satisfies Many

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Scramble

Investing in Leadership Development

Foundation Supporting Rural Minnesota

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation is a proud sponsor of the following programs:

Houston County shows Minnesota Farmer CARE at County Fair

FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

Dakota County Great Pumpkinand Squash Patch Program


UN

DATION

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation awarded more than in grants and $38,000contributions to county Farm Bureaus in 2015. The Foundation supports agriculture 52and safety education and leadership programs. Much of the work done is to improve perceptions of agriculture among urban and rural populations and increase understanding of agriculture and its importance in our lives and to our economy.

8 9

The Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation continued to set records at Farmfest with 5,500 pork chops sold and profits of more than $14,000, which will support agriculture and safety education, agriculture leadership development and agriculture research programs. This annual event held in early August is successful because of the many great volunteers who join in and help out at the MFB Foundation Pork Chop Stand during the

three-day Farmfest show. Hormel Foods, Inc. generously donated the pork loins for this event.

THE MINNESOTA FARM Bureau Foundation held their annual Golf Scramble on June 16 at River Oaks Golf Course near Cottage Grove raising $14,500. Funds will be used for programs focused on agriculture education, safety education and leadership development.

Ÿ AFSA High School – Farm & Community Service Days

Ÿ Christensen Farm Stage at the Minnesota State Fair

Ÿ Dairy Showcase – Minnesota State Fair

Ÿ Farm Camp MinnesotaŸ Gopher Dairy ClubŸ Inver Hills Community CollegeŸ MARL (Minnesota Agriculture

& Rural Leadership)Ÿ Midwest Dairy Association –

Princess KayŸ Minnesota 4-H FoundationŸ Minnesota Agriculture in the

ClassroomŸ Minnesota Association of

Agricultural Educators

Ÿ Minnesota Agri-WomenŸ Minnesota Beef ExpoŸ Minnesota FFA FoundationŸ Minnesota Jr. Spring ClassicŸ Minnesota Jr. Holstein

AssociationŸ Minnesota State Fair -

Minnesota Heritage ParkŸ Moo Booth – Minnesota State

FairŸ University of Minnesota – Twin

Cities – Ag Awareness DayŸ University of Minnesota – Twin

Cities – CFANS Alumni SocietyŸ University of Minnesota – Twin

Cities – Minnesota Royal

As a part of the Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation’s mission, leadership development remains a priority within the Foundation’s efforts. Programs such as the MFB Leadership Conference and the Summer Leadership Tour are supported by the MFB Foundation. The Foundation’s funding helps defray expenses and provides participants with resources that they can use in the classroom or outside.

members. She states that she truly enjoys building and rebuilding the ag and FFA programs in the schools that she has taught at. Hoffmann feels her most important role as a teacher is to provide opportunities that FFA has to offer her students.

Hoffmann’s FFA chapter conducts numerous activities throughout the year. Some examples are: Ag in the Classroom programs, a children’s barn at the county fair, Adopt-a-Senior program, Wee Deliver Writing Buddies, constructing wood duck houses and providing leadership camps. Hoffmann said safety is a key priority in her chapter. They conduct several programs including Farmfest Safety Carnival, safety puppet shows for Day Care Day at the Fair, Safety Day Camp with the Chamber of Commerce and an elementary safety program.

Hoffmann is involved in a tri-county Farm Safety 4 Just Kids chapter. In 2009, her chapter was recognized as the Volunteer Chapter of the Year. They conducted 19 safety events, logged more than 2,300 volunteer hours, taught more than 3,200 youth about farm safety topics and reached more than 69,000 people through mass media.

“I feel there are three main challenges for agriculture this century: providing the same amount of high quality food on less and less land, educating the public about the fact that farmers care about their livestock and the land, and filling agriculture jobs with qualified individuals,” said Hoffmann.

w�Post-Secondary Educator of the Year Award Brad SchloesserThe Post-Secondary Educator of the Year award was

presented to Brad Schloesser of St. Peter. This award recognizes the educators supporting production agriculture and the important role these professionals play.

Schloesser is in his 22nd year of teaching agriculture. He began teaching in Marshall Public Schools in the agriculture department and then went on to South Central College working in the post-secondary agribusiness department. He is currently the Dean of Agriculture at Southern Minnesota Center of Agriculture, supporting agriculture and learning in Minnesota within the secondary, post-secondary and adult education.

“This award confirms the joy I’ve experienced as a teacher of agriculture, having worked and learned with thousands of students in over three decades. I’m humbled, honored and proud to have the gifts to teach and work in agriculture. I feel very grateful for the recognition from Minnesota Farm Bureau,” said Schloesser.

Scholesser is a member of the Post-Secondary Agricultural Students Organization, works with the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota in the development of the “Grow It Gallery” (agriculture-related programming) and serves in an advisory capacity at the Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca. He also participates in the National TEACH AG campaign, works with the Minnesota FFA Foundation and is active in the Minnesota and National Association of Agricultural Educators.

“In southern Minnesota, approximately one in four people employed are supporting the agriculture industry in our state,” said Schloesser. “The community, economic and educational development is critical to our livelihood and the positive impact of families in our region and around the world.”

w�AWARDS CONTINUED FROM page 5

HOUSTON COUNTY FARM Bureau renovated their county fair booth to facilitate more one-on-one interactions between Farm Bureau members and consumers. They utilized a topographical map of the county, photos of conservation practices and photographic displays of farm families.

DAKOTA COUNTY FARM Bureau used an Agriculture Promotion Grant from the Minnesota Farm Bureau to assist North Trail Elementary School in Farmington in creating a school pumpkin and squash patch. In science classes, students started seeds in the spring, watched them grow and transplanted seedlings to the patch on school property. In the end, they planted over 200 jack-be-little pumpkin seeds, 100 gourd seeds and 150 squash that were harvested and prepared at the school.

GR

AN

T H

IGH

LIG

HT

S

Pork Chop Stand Satisfies Many

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Scramble

Investing in Leadership Development

Foundation Supporting Rural Minnesota

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation is a proud sponsor of the following programs:

Houston County shows Minnesota Farmer CARE at County Fair

FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

Dakota County Great Pumpkinand Squash Patch Program

MARYTINA LAWRENCESPEAK FOR YOURSELF

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Year in Pictures

710

Farming Today

Minnesota farmers feed families, fuel the economy, care about their communities and are stewards of the environment. They are telling their story.

Speak For Yourself (also called Farming Today) empowers farmers to tell their stories in their own words. Farmers are trained to speak about why they do what they do, address issues in agriculture and present their stories. The program connects farmers with opportunities to speak to community and civic organizations, businesses, family and consumer science (FACS) classrooms and agriculture classrooms. Farmers share their real stories and audiences benefit from firsthand accounts of people on the front lines of agriculture.

“Encouraging farmers and ranchers to share their own story is important because so many consumers don’t know a lot about agriculture,” said Marytina Lawrence, Minnesota Farm Bureau Speak For Yourself coordinator and speaker participant. “This program not only teaches people where their food comes from, but also how agriculture is vital to our communities and the world.”

As the public has moved to urban and suburban areas, people are increasingly removed from American agriculture, oftentimes between 3-5 generations removed from the farm. The Minnesota Farm Bureau initiated the program in 2010 to bridge the communication gap between consumers and farmers.

“As consumers, we all benefit from firsthand awareness of the care and passion that farm families

put into feeding families, and the support they deserve in accomplishing that feat,” said Lawrence. “Farmers aren’t always comfortable talking about themselves, but if you’re not telling your story, someone else will tell it for you. When you can look somebody in the eye and say ’this is why I do what I do,’ it always is impactful.”

To learn more about Farming Today, visit facebook.com/FarmingTodaySpeakers or contact Marytina Lawrence, coordinator at 763-273-6981 or [email protected].

Do you know someone who should meet a farmer through a Farming Today presentation? Do you know someone in a service organization (Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, etc.), in a MOMS or MOPS group, who is a FACS or agriculture teacher, at a food manufacturing company or in other groups that would be interested in or benefit from hearing from a farmer? Contact Barbara Dodson, Farming Today scheduler at 800-711-0747, ext. 222 or [email protected].

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Farming Today (Speak for Yourself) program is made possible by a generous partnership with the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota’s Farm Credit organizations including AgStar Financial Services, United FCS, AgCountry and AgriBank, Minnesota Beef Council, Cargill, CHS and Riverview, LLP.

The Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation’s emphasis on farm safety led to the production of a Grain Bin Safety Sticker to be placed on grain bins reminding farmers to be safe when entering a grain bin. This project was funded in partnership with Yellow Medicine County Farm Bureau and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, who designated the dollars be used for farm safety. More than 1,000 stickers were created and distributed at Farmfest and the MFB Annual Meeting.

The Agriculture Transportation Handbook with state and federal statutes, rules and exemptions for transporting agricultural goods on highways was reprinted in partnership with the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and Minnesota State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspectors. Copies of the handbook and grain bin stickers are available free of charge through the MFB Foundation. For more information contact 651-768-2100 or info@�mn.org.

Working to create a positive public perception of agriculture though education is a core focus within the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation. Creating agriculturally literate students and public through programs is regarded as one of the most rewarding experiences by many of our volunteers.

This year, volunteers within Farm Bureau worked hard to teach the importance of agriculture, make farming real, worked to overcome common misconceptions about agriculture, reconnected the American public with people that grow their food and equipped agriculture leaders with skills they need to share their

story with Americans of all ages. The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation did this though opportunities to view the Farmland documentary, funding several events hosted by county Farm Bureaus, visits to classrooms in an effort to make farming real and promoting agriculture through agriculture awareness programs and the Speak for Yourself program.

Farm Bureau volunteers are pictured at Lincoln Center Elementary School in South St. Paul on April 14 who worked with second grade classrooms. Students were excited to meet real farmers and learn from them as they read “Seed Soil Sun” and helped plant their own grass seed.

Connecting CONSUMERS TO AGRICULTURE

Safety Priority Focus

Sharing the Farm Story with Consumers

speak forYOURSELF

6 11

The Mission of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation is to provide opportunities for

supporters of agriculture to invest in people and programs focused on supporting active farmers and agriculturalists, better connecting agriculture to consumers and serving rural communities.

Thank you to the following contributors to the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation in 2015.

Benefactor’s Society($10,000 or greater)

Ÿ AgriBankŸ AgStar Financial ServicesŸ AnonymousŸ CHS FoundationŸ Farm Bureau Financial

ServicesŸ Hormel Foods, Inc.Ÿ Minnesota Corn Growers

AssociationŸ Minnesota Soybean

Research and Promotion Council

Patron’s SocietyDiamond

($5,000-9,999))Ÿ Cargill Ag Marketing

Services, Jim NelsonŸ Cargill Inc. (Northwest

Region)Ÿ Cargill Meat SolutionsŸ Minnesota Beef CouncilŸ MonsantoŸ United FCSŸ West Central Initiative

Emerald($2,500 - $4,999)

Ÿ Enbridge Pipelines (ND) LLC

Ÿ Gislason and Hunter LLPŸ Pioneer Hi-Bred

International (DuPont Pioneer)

Ÿ Stevens County Farm Bureau

Ruby($1,000 - $2,499)

Ÿ AgCountry Farm Credit Services

Ÿ Al and Diane Christopherson

Ÿ Custom Ag SolutionsŸ Kevin and Nancy DahlmanŸ Mark and Cindy MaiersŸ Joe and Staci MartinŸ Ruth MeirickŸ Fran and Mary Ann MironŸ Jonathan and Carolyn OlsonŸ Kevin and Julie PaapŸ Peter and Carol PersonŸ Syngenta

Contributor’s SocietyGold

($500 - $999)Ÿ Ross and Dixie BoringŸ Bruce BrendenŸ Dean and Carol

ChristophersonŸ City Auto GlassŸ Davisco Foods International

(Le Sueur Cheese Co)Ÿ Donald DiekmannŸ Eberl’s Claim Service IncŸ Marlin FayŸ John and Cheryl GilbertsonŸ Dave and Amy JohnsonŸ Legend Seeds IncŸ Minnesota State

Cattlemen’s AssociationŸ Minnesota Agricultural

Interpretive CenterŸ Chris Radatz

Ÿ Craig SchutteŸ Richard StarkŸ Wanda StarkŸ Washington-Ramsey County

Farm BureauŸ Michael WojahnŸ Yellow Medicine County

Farm Bureau

Silver($250 - $499)

Ÿ Associated Milk Producers (AMPI)

Ÿ Peter BakkenŸ Carver County Farm BureauŸ CliftonLarsenAllenŸ Nathan and Jessi CollinsŸ Mark ConsoerŸ Rachel DaberkowŸ Norman and Ruth EickhoffŸ Ruth EkstromŸ Farmer’s Business Network

IncŸ Fast Seed and Precision LLCŸ Robert FritzŸ Dan and Seena GlessingŸ George GoblishŸ Goodhue County

Farm BureauŸ Glen and Melinda GrothŸ Mike and Connie GundersonŸ Jay HansonŸ Kristin and Steve HarnerŸ Willis HinkeldayŸ Alan HonermannŸ Shayne IsaneŸ Kleven Law Office PA Ÿ Guy KoehlŸ Krusemark Farms IncŸ Miles and Sarah KuschelŸ Larry and Sharon LarsonŸ Lyon County Farm BureauŸ Mark and Mary Davis

FoundationŸ McCollum, Crowley,

Moschet, Miller and Laak LTD

Ÿ Minnesota Agriculture Water Resource Center

Ÿ Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council

Ÿ Olmsted County Farm Bureau

Ÿ Paul Davis RestorationŸ Renville County Farm

BureauŸ Bob RoelofsŸ Dennis SchmidtŸ Anton SeykoraŸ Bob and Ruth ShepardŸ Scott County Farm BureauŸ James SolumŸ Eric and Danielle WatsonŸ Stanley WhitneyŸ Winona County Farm

BureauŸ Wright County Farm Bureau

Bronze($100 - $249)

Ÿ Jerril and Nancy AndrewsŸ Anoka County Farm BureauŸ Ash Trail Lodge (Deb

Wieber)Ÿ Virginia BissenŸ Blue Earth County Farm

BureauŸ Kent BoschŸ Brown County Farm BureauŸ Amanda CarlsonŸ Nada Carter

Ÿ Cynthie ChristensenŸ John and Deb ChuteŸ Dakota County Farm BureauŸ Dakota Lamb Growers

Co-OpŸ T. Brian DalyŸ Andrew (AJ) DuerrŸ Faribault County Farm

BureauŸ Jerry FastŸ FBL Financial Group IncŸ FCA Co-OpŸ Leland and Jeanne FerdenŸ Field Seed Farms, Richard

and Claire FieldŸ Fillmore County Farm

BureauŸ Ed and Shirley FrederickŸ Freeborn County Farm

BureauŸ Jeremy GeskeŸ Glen GraffŸ Gerald HansonŸ Henry and Mildred HayŸ Peter and Jennifer HenslinŸ Home Place Dairy (Nathan

and Suzanna Nelson)Ÿ Deborah and Blair HosethŸ IDEAg Group LLCŸ Integrity Medicolegal

Enterprises (Anna Rollins)Ÿ John JuusolaŸ Mike KuechleŸ Chad LarsonŸ Doug and JoAnn LawrenceŸ Le Sueur County Farm

BureauŸ Craig and Corrine LogeŸ Kirk LuckowŸ Robert MargŸ Doug and TaLana

MathiowetzŸ Joel and Amanda

MathiowetzŸ Meeker County Farm

BureauŸ Sheldon MelbergŸ Minnesota Pork BoardŸ Mower County Farm BureauŸ New Fashion Pork LLPŸ Nicollet County Farm

BureauŸ Bennett and Gloria

OsmonsonŸ Ron and Lori PagelŸ Rice County Farm BureauŸ Rock County Farm BureauŸ Roger and Linda SauerbreyŸ Kelly and Sarah SchmidtŸ Michael SchneiderŸ Jerry SchoenfeldŸ ScriptSaveŸ ServiceMaster Professional

ServicesŸ Sibley County Farm BureauŸ Yvonne SimonŸ Lucas and Alise SjostromŸ Steele County Farm BureauŸ John and Marge SteeleŸ Gene StengelŸ Joe and April SullivanŸ Lawrence Thell Ÿ Times-Citizen

CommunicationsŸ Traverse County Farm

BureauŸ Tim and Pam UhlenkampŸ United Prairie BankŸ David and Carolyn Van LohŸ Waseca County Farm

Bureau

Ÿ West Otter Tail County Farm Bureau

Ÿ Charlie WestfallŸ Debora A WhiteŸ Wilkin County Farm BureauŸ Jean and Scott WinslowŸ Matthew J WolleŸ Ronald Ziegler

Friends of the Foundation($5 - $99)

Ÿ Douglas and Karen AdamsŸ AgQuest Financial Services

IncŸ Donald AlbrechtŸ Keith AllenŸ Arrowhead Regional Farm

BureauŸ Pat BakebergŸ Beverly BartzŸ Becker County Farm BureauŸ Linda BinkleyŸ Kurt BlomgrenŸ Doug BusselmanŸ Byker’s Garage (Alan and

Susie Byker)Ÿ Duane and Norma CampbellŸ Cass County Farm BureauŸ Kevin ChamberlainŸ Rose CollinsŸ Seth and Rachel ConnellŸ Crow Wing County Farm

BureauŸ Pam DebeleŸ Dodge County Farm BureauŸ Gary DoucetteŸ East Otter Tail County Farm

BureauŸ Garfield EckbergŸ Charles and Yvonne

EricksonŸ Elva and Luverne EricksonŸ Milton and Dorothy FrickeŸ Jerry GaultŸ General Mills Your Cause

LLCŸ Robert and Joyce GillŸ Theresia GillieŸ Grant County Farm BureauŸ Sheldon and Donna HaglinŸ Hansen Agri-Commodities

LLCŸ Fred HansonŸ Randy HansonŸ Vernon HedlinŸ Mark and Sara HewittŸ David and Jean HicksŸ Jerome HolkerŸ Houston County Farm

BureauŸ Paul M IbbersonŸ John IsaacsonŸ Maynard JagodzinskeŸ David JoachimŸ Alan JohnsonŸ Chad JohnsonŸ Kandiyohi County Farm

BureauŸ GM and Kathy KarlgaardŸ Shantel KoeringŸ Randy and Linda KramerŸ Barbara KuechleŸ Curtis KuehlŸ Dave LaddŸ Paul and Ruth LanoueŸ Richard LeinoŸ Laine LewinŸ Lincoln County Farm BureauŸ Harold and Carol LittleŸ Phillip LittleŸ Dan Lippert

Ÿ Arnold and Donna MadsenŸ Mahnomen County Farm

BureauŸ David and Julie MarquardtŸ Philip and Bonnie

MarquardtŸ Martin County Farm BureauŸ John and Joyce MeisterŸ Alfred and Mary Jane MeyerŸ Roland MillsŸ Paul and Kristy MironŸ Roger MittenessŸ Paula MohrŸ Hannah MolitorŸ Lavonne NicolaiŸ Curtis and Shirley PietzŸ Judy and Steve PilcherŸ Professional Training Inst.

of America (Dareso Inc.)Ÿ Howard PrushekŸ Kenneth and Lois QuastŸ Redwood County Farm

BureauŸ Justin RoelofsŸ Erna RolfingŸ Dennis SabelŸ Steven SchoenfeldŸ Lois SchrimpfŸ Joyce SchroederŸ Doug SchultzŸ Scott SchweerŸ Vicky SinglestadŸ Donald Slinden Jr.Ÿ Darvey SloanŸ Sogge Tax Service (David

and Renee Sogge)Ÿ Virgil and Phyllis StenderŸ Donavon StrombergŸ Joel TalsmaŸ Dale ThiryŸ Stacy ThoenyŸ Tim Crowe FarmsŸ Titan MachineryŸ Barbara VarnerŸ Wabasha County Farm

BureauŸ Loren and Carol WalterŸ Darrell WannarkaŸ Watonwan County Farm

BureauŸ Joyce WelanderŸ West Polk County Farm

BureauŸ Matt and Teresa WidboomŸ Anita WolffŸ Dennis WulfŸ Earl and Lynette ZieglerŸ Jon Zieroth

In MemorialThe following individuals made donations in memorial of loved ones in the past year.Ÿ Joseph Hain – Olmsted

County Farm Bureau, Richard and Claire Field

Ÿ Lois Kressin – Richard and Claire Field

Ÿ Paul Stark – GM and Kathy Karlgaard

Ÿ Margaret Schutte – Craig Schutte

Ÿ Don Prigge – Olmsted County Farm Bureau

Ÿ Tim Slade – Winona County Farm Bureau

Ÿ Harley Boettcher – Richard and Claire Field

A Year in Pictures Donor Recognition


UN

DATION

Dear MFB Foundation,On behalf of Minnesota

Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) and its Board of Directors, I would like to THANK YOU for your 2014-2015 contribution.

This donation will be used to support the many valuable agricultural literacy programs produced each year. Your contribution will enable us to reach thousands of students throughout the state. MAITC is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax-deductible.

Regards,Joel Mathiowetz


the AgStar Miracle of Birth Center. Farm Bureau has been a big part of our success. We really appreciate your willingness to do this.

The AgStar Miracle of Birth Center would like to thank you for your support and participation in our agricultural education exhibit at the Olmsted County Fair. 140,000 visitors attended the fair, and we are sure most of them visited the center. The new attraction in 2014 was a raised duck pond for easy viewing of the newly hatched ducklings and an education wall including memorial benches for leisurely resting. People were amazed at the births of five dairy calves, 51 piglets, 45 chicks and 8 ducklings. Births were tracked and calf names were tallied on our Facebook page. We hope you continue your support and join us next year the Olmsted County Fair.

Sincerely,The AgStar Miracle of Birth CommitteeJeannette Sheehan


generous check. It is so cool that several groups held a competition that raised that much money. We

feel very fortunate to have partners like the Farm Bureau, and we will do our best to use your gift wisely.

Enjoy the holiday season!Tony MansSecond Harvest Heartland


to Kids Against Hunger-Cambridge. Your donations and your involvement does make a difference here in our own backyard as we help supply 17 local foodshelves with Kids Against Hunger food. You are also helping feed the hungry overseas. We are aware of tremendous needs in countries like Liberia, Ukraine, Syria and the ongoing needs of recovering Philippines.

We had a great year last year, 2014! We packed our one-millionth meal as well as packing more food than any previous year and involving more volunteers than ever before. Thank you for being part of ending hunger in the world.

Thank you for participating through packing and donating.

Sincerely,Jeff BoyumDirector, Kids Against HungerCambridge

Dear MFB Foundation,I would like to take this

opportunity to thank you for selecting me as one of your 2014 scholarship recipients. I feel honored to have received this generous award and will be applying it to my studies at North Dakota State University where I will be graduating a year from now. I have enjoyed my time in the agricultural systems management program as well as being active in extracurricular activities and have worked with some awesome people there.

My working experiences on the farm and off the farm; at the Finley

Farmers Grain and Elevator in Finley, ND, have been valuable learning lessons in helping me decide which direction I would like to pursue in the field of agriculture once I graduate. Growing up in a Farm Bureau family has expanded my awareness of how important it is for farmers to be active in public policy for our future depends on making the right decisions and choices for our families and businesses.

My parents have spoken highly of Al Christopherson, past President of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, and his wife, during their involvement in this organization, so I am very grateful and humbled to have received a scholarship in his name. Thank you again for the award, the banquet meals, and for all of the support you have shown us young people, who are pursuing our goals with regards to the future of agriculture. I am glad my parents are Farm Bureau members.

Sincerely,Evan Robertson


fantastic prize I was awarded at this year’s Annual Meeting. I am still in sort of a state of shock. My experience in the past with Farm Bureau has been very rewarding and has given me many opportunities. The people I have met and learned from have helped me a great deal. Again, thank you to both members and staff.

Kurt Blomgren


honoring me with your 2014 Ag Communicator of the Year award. I deeply appreciate the recognition. Minnesota is so blessed with its vast natural resources, farms and ag industries. Lots of good stories to share!

Thanks again!Paula MohrAnokaEditor, The Farmer

Dear MFB Foundation,The opportunity to attend the

AFBF Annual Convention was a great experience for LuAnn and I. We are grateful for the chance to represent Minnesota Farm Bureau.

My initial thoughts about the event… “Great to be in a warm climate in January!” and “The AFBF and all the attendees are really something to crow about!”

I sure appreciate all of your efforts to promote and

communicate the agricultural messages and to share with others the effective manner in which it can be accomplished.

Kind regards,Brad and LuAnn Schloesser

Dear MFB Foundation,My name is Christine Leonard and

I was a 2014 Al Christopherson Scholarship winner. I am a food science major with a communications emphasis at UW-Stout. I wanted to extend a huge thank you for this scholarship – it is so wonderful to have the support of the farming community as I work towards being an agriculture communicator.

Thanks!Christine Leonard

Dear MFB Foundation,In this season of giving thanks, I

want to tell you just how much your generosity and support is appreciated. Your gift helps ensure that thousands of our hungry neighbors can get the food and nutrition they need in the coming months.

Because of you, a hungry senior won’t have to choose between food and medicine. A working family won’t have to make a difficult decision between food and other necessities during these cold winter months. Because of you, a hungry child will receive the nutrition necessary to focus in school and experience the joy this season can bring.

From your friends at Second Harvest Heartland and on behalf of those we serve, thank you for making a difference and providing hope to those who need it most. Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season.

Thanks so much to you and the whole Minnesota Farm Bureau Team! We’re so grateful.

Sincerely,Rob ZeaskeChief Executive Officer

Dear MFB Foundation,Your gift has been received by

the University of Minnesota Foundation and will be directed to the University of Minnesota beef team.

Your gift plants the seed of knowledge and discovery, inspiring hope for a brighter future. We are grateful for your support!

Mike FiltermanChair, University of Minnesota Foundation

Foundation Thank Yous512

The Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation recognized and awarded outstanding agricultural professionals during the Minnesota Farm Bureau’s 2014 Annual Meeting. Recipients received a trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in San Diego, California in January 2015.

Award winners are nominated by their county Farm Bureaus. For information about nominating an Ag Communicator, Extension Educator, FFA Advisor or Post-Secondary Ag Educator for next year’s award, contact your county Farm Bureau office.

w�Ag Communicator of the Year Award Paula MohrThe Ag Communicator of the Year award

was given to Paula Mohr. This award is presented because an important mission of Farm Bureau is to inform the public about its policy positions and to tell agriculture’s story.

Mohr is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in agricultural communications. She is the editor/reporter for The Farmer magazine and is responsible for writing monthly editorials, blogging and working with freelance writers.

“My hope and intent as a journalist is to accurately inform and educate my readers about issues and stories that matter and are of interest to them,” said Mohr.

“The Farmer is a state-wide publication, having covered Minnesota agriculture since 1882. Its readership loyalty runs deep, and I am often humbled by those who tell me they are the third generation getting the magazine.”

“I am very humbled and honored to receive the ag communicator award from Minnesota Farm Bureau,” said Mohr.

w�Extension Educator of the Year AwardAmanda SommersThe Extension Educator of the Year

award was presented to Amanda Sommers of Waseca. This award recognizes the important role that Extension educators play in helping farmers keep up-to-date on new technology and training future agricultural leaders.

Sommers has been an extension educator for eight years. She began working as the Blue Earth County Interim 4-H Program Coordinator before being hired full-time. She currently coordinates county 4-H activities and oversees all the 4-H Clubs. Her 4-H program has about 270 members. As the coordinator, she is responsible for managing activities like the county fair, summer day camps, leader trainings, member enrollment and officer trainings. Her position extends into the community as many partnerships have been formed through 4-H. For instance,

the Safety Day Camp is a partnership between 4-H and Mankato and North Mankato’s police departments, fire departments and local community health educators.

She feels 4-H is vitally important to the future of the agriculture. Her goal as a 4-H program coordinator is to provide an impact on young people and serve as a role model to the youth in the 4-H program.

“I am very happy to be honored by Farm Bureau. I’m thankful that Farm Bureau recognizes 4-H and Extension professionals as it has strong roots to agriculture,” said Sommers.

w�FFA Advisor of the Year Award Mary HoffmannThe FFA Advisor of the Year award was

presented to Mary Hoffmann of Sleepy Eye. This award recognizes the important role these professionals play in developing agricultural leaders for tomorrow.

Hoffmann began her teaching career in Mineral Point, Wisconsin 20 years ago and for the last nine years she has been teaching in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. The agriculture program is currently at an all-time high with overall enrollment of 268 students. 76 percent of the 7th through 12th graders at Sleepy Eye signed up for an agriculture class. The FFA chapter is also at an all-time high with more than 160

Continued...AWARDS CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 w

PAULA MOHR MARY HOFFMANNAMANDA SOMMERS BRAD SCHLOESSER

Foundation Awards


UN

DATION4 13

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your generous gift

to the History and Heritage Campaign! Your support is greatly appreciated and will help to celebrate and preserve the history of the Minnesota State Fair.

In recognition of your contribution, you have the opportunity to personalize one 6-foot bench in the West End Market. We are preparing these benches to be ready for the 2015 State Fair.

Thank you for your support of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.

Danielle DullingerDevelopment Coordinator

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your pledge

payment to the Minnesota State Fair Foundation for our History & Heritage Campaign.

Your support is for the new State Fair History & Heritage Center with educational exhibits and programs that tell the 150-year story of the Minnesota State Fair. Located on the west side of the fairgrounds, the comprehensive project includes a new gateway, transit hub, retail spaces, performance venues and guest amenities. The Center is prominently featured near the new entrance with exhibits that connect generations of State Fair and Minnesota families.

We appreciate your support of the History & Heritage Campaign and our Foundation mission to improve State Fair buildings, grounds and educational experiences.

Thank you.Sincerely,Kay CadyExecutive Director

Dear MFB Foundation,I would like to thank you for your

generous donation. It truly makes cattle showing possible.

Sincerely,Kade Knapp


year’s Minnesota Junior Spring Classic Beef Show (MJSC). I am excited to be here, and look forward to this coming summer showing.

Thank you,Kelly Morrison


generous donation towards the 2015 MJSC Beef Show. MJSC is a

not-for-profit organization that encourages youth from around Minnesota and surrounding states to participate in an educational weekend including boot camp, showmanship contest and junior show. Thanks again!

Sincerely,Lexi Wetzel


sponsoring an award at the MJSC Beef Show 2015. Your donation makes things like this possible. Once again thank you for your donation!

Rylie Beus

Dear MFB Foundation,Thanks to your support, the 2015

Minnesota Junior All-Breeds Convention was a huge success! There were 71 junior members in attendance, and nearly all competed in dairy jeopardy, dairy quiz bowl or prepared speaking. We also learned about bottling milk on Autumnwood Farm, listened to advice from Accelerated Genetics CEO Joel Groskreutz and practiced some cool new dance moves. Because of you, our members were able to do all of this in addition to making new friends and memories.

We are looking forward to the rest of our year with our next event being the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association State Show held in Worthington on June 18. You can keep updated by liking our Facebook page, Minnesota Junior Holstein Association.

Sincerely,Jeni Haler2014 Vice President

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you! We just received the

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation’s generous donations to the Minnesota 4-H Foundation Annual Fund and the 2015 State Fair Animal Science Awards, and it means the world to us. Every day we look forward to opening the mail because of supporters like you. Financial backing enables us to provide 65,000 Minnesota youth with hands on learning opportunities through programs, like STEM.

We are so lucky to have you as a donor. Thank you for investing in our organization and in the Minnesota 4-Hers we serve. Your generous gift will go to good use, and we’ll make sure to keep you informed about what is happening with Minnesota 4-H!

Thank you again for your investment in the Minnesota 4-H

Foundation. We look forward to your continued partnership with providing opportunities for youth to learn, lead and succeed.

Sincerely,Frank MumfordDirector of Annual Giving

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for sponsoring me in

the Minnesota State Fair 4-H dairy showcase. This is my first year being part of the 4-H dairy showcase. I am a sophomore at the U of MN, studying animal science. I plan on dairy farming after graduation.

Andrew Krause


Bureau Foundation, of your support of the 4-H dairy project. Sponsoring the reserve champion dairy showperson advanced division award is a very supportive act of kindness. Your donation means a lot to the 4-H dairy project, and I’m very grateful of that. Thank you again.

Brady Engquist


award supporting 4-H. This was my first year at the state fair, and I had lots of fun. I look forward to showing for many years to come.

Sincerely,Parker Benda


reserve champion breeding ewe trophy and for supporting the 4-H sheep program.

Alissa Vogles

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for supporting the

Minnesota 4-H swine program and for your sponsorship of the champion breeding gilt award. Your support is much appreciated.

Thank you,Kyila Schielle (and Chester)


sponsoring the senior market beef showman award. It would not be possible without sponsors like you. Thank you again! It is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,Carlie Jackson


Minnesota State Fair Livestock Judging Contest Reserve Champion Oral Reasons Individual in the Senior Division. I look forward to the judging contest every year. This is my third year judging and my hard work has paid off. My team was second and is headed to Denver in January, and I was fourth overall. Thank you for making my day more special by receiving a plaque.

Thank you again,Bailey SchnecklothJackson County

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for sponsoring my

champion senior overall individual plaque at the Minnesota State 4-H dairy judging contest. This was my seventh and final year competing in this contest.

As I reflect on my 4-H career, I am grateful for the growth opportunities 4-H has given me, and the people who have helped me along the way. I am excited to be judging at one final 4-H judging contest in Louisville, Kentucky this November. I will continue judging at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where I am currently a sophomore studying animal science and agricultural and food business management. Thank you again. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,Gabriella Sorg


Each year the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation presents four deserving students from Farm Bureau families with a $500 Al Christopherson Scholarship during the Minnesota Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting. Recognition was given during the Friday night awards banquet on November 21, 2014 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bloomington.

“The qualifications and goals of these students are exemplary of the bright future of agriculture,” said MFBF President Kevin Paap. “Investing in the education of Minnesota’s rural youth is an important mission for the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation.”

Christine Leonard (pictured far right)Christine Leonard is the daughter of Tim and Amy Leonard of

Carver County. She is attending University of Wisconsin-Stout, majoring in food science and technology with a communications emphasis.

“I’m very honored to have been selected as a Farm Bureau scholarship recipient,” said Leonard. “Not only does this scholarship help financially, but it helps to know that I have the support of the farming community as I pursue a degree in food communications.”

Jared Luhman (pictured second from right)Jared Luhman is the son of Jon and Terri Luhman and Holly and

Dan Fifield of Goodhue County. He graduated in spring of 2015 from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, majoring in agricultural education.

“I feel blessed to know an organization like the Minnesota Farm Bureau believes in me enough to support my education,” said Luhman. “I’m excited to take this education and use it to strengthen the opportunities within and share the story of agriculture that I love so much.”

Sarah Marketon (pictured far left)Sarah Marketon is the daughter of Bob and Annette Marketon

of Wright County. She is attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, majoring in agricultural education with an emphasis on leadership and communications.

“I am honored to receive a scholarship from the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation,” said Marketon. “The funds will help me complete my degree in agricultural education at the University of Minnesota.”

Evan Robertson (pictured second from left)Evan Robertson is the son of Gary and Annette Robertson of Lac

qui Parle County. He is attending North Dakota State University, majoring in agricultural systems management.

“I am very thankful to Farm Bureau for selecting me for this scholarship. It will help me further my knowledge in agriculture at NDSU and help me learn what it takes to become a successful businessman and a promoter of agriculture,” said Robertson.

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Announces Paul Stark Memorial Scholarship

The Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation announced the Paul Stark Memorial Scholarship fund during the 2014 Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Annual Meeting in Bloomington.

The new scholarship was announced as part of the MFB Foundation’s auction. Stevens County Farm Bureau kicked off the fundraising by donating $4,500 and auctioning a bench which was donated by the family of Paul Stark to establish the fund. During the auction, an additional $10,000 was raised through the generosity of individuals and county Farm Bureaus.

The first two - $500 Paul Stark Memorial Scholarships were awarded at the MFBF 2015 Annual Meeting.

Any person who is a Farm Bureau member or qualifies under their family’s membership is eligible to apply. The applicant must be enrolled in an accredited school going into their freshman or sophomore year of college or technical college.

Al Christopherson Scholarship Winners

Continued...


3

Helping the public to understand

For nearly 30, years the Minnesota Farm Bureau has been providing a dedicated funding source for agriculture education programs and leadership activities throughout Minnesota. The Foundation is changing the way people think about the food we eat and the farmers and ranchers who raise it. From grade schools to college campuses and grocery stores to the farm, the Foundation is funding ways to promote agriculture and develop future agricultural leaders. Work is ongoing to help the public understand how agriculture impacts their daily lives.

This annual report outlines several of the projects and programs that the Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation supports. We are proud of these accomplishments and are grateful to the many hands that dedicate time and effort to ensure each program is successful.

I want to extend our appreciation to everyone who has supported the MFB Foundation. With help from many individuals, organizations and business partners, the Foundation continues to contribute to agricultural education, research, safety and leadership programs.

In closing, thank you to all those who have been so generous. I encourage anyone interested in maintaining a strong and viable agriculture and rural Minnesota to consider a tax-deductible gift to the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation.

DIRECTOR’SLETTER

14

w The Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation established the Paul Stark Memorial Scholarship Program for incoming college freshman and sophomores. More than $22,000 was donated to this scholarship program in its inaugural year.

w The MFB Foundation raised more than $365,000 for programs that support agriculture education, leadership development and safety education.

w 52 county Farm Bureaus in Minnesota received more than $38,000 in agriculture promotion grant funding.

w Voting delegates who donated mileage to the Foundation donated $3,274.

w The $2 voluntary donation on the dues notices added up to $14,355 for the MFB Foundation.

w The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation hired an intern for first time ever. Katie Schmitt of Benton County assisted at the Leadership Conference and throughout the summer with Foundation activities.

w Four scholarships and 22 organizations received funding from the MFB Foundation, totaling more than $30,250 this past year.

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your time and

support for the fourth annual Farm Camp Minnesota. With your help, we are able to educate over 150 campers each day this year from all over southern Minnesota, the Twin Cities, Rochester, Iowa and Wisconsin.

An event like this would not be possible without your help and expertise. We look forward to working with you again at next year’s Farm Camp Minnesota. Remember to check out www.farmcampminnesota.com for pictures from this year’s camp.

Kathy GuseFarm Camp Minnesota Planning Committee


Reserve Senior Market Beef Showmanship plaque. The plaque will always remind me how this moment feels. Your donation is greatly appreciated.

Katelyn Hartwig


of the champion other breed gilt plaque. Your support is very much appreciated.

Kyila Schwen


Reserve Champion Dairy Showperson Advanced Division award. It has always been one of my goals to make it into the top five within the showmanship class. I have been working with my Brown Swiss cow, Caycee, for three years now and each year we have traveled to the State Fair together. This is an amazing accomplishment for me.

Thanks again!Lauren Hendel

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for the donation of

the plaque for the senior showmanship. I am from Stearns County and have been showing sheep most of my life. It has always been a hobby of mine and something I look forward to throughout the year. Thanks again. Without you, none of this would be possible.

Maesyn Thiesen


Bureau Foundation. Thank you for all your support and donations toward the 4-H. The plaque is very much appreciated.

DJ Scotting


designated to the Minnesota 4-H Science of Agriculture Challenge. Through your generosity, Minnesota 4-H is able to help young people see their potential.

As 4-H continues to create and deliver high quality educational opportunities and adventures for young people, it is evident that our success depends upon the contributions of many people like you. Your gift to the Minnesota 4-H Foundation helps enable young people to use their head, heart, hands and health to choose, learn, grow and contribute.

Thank you for being a part of helping us reach our vision that all Minnesota young people have the opportunity to gain life skills to succeed in society. Your gift makes a difference both now and for the future.

Sincerely,Cara MillerExecutive DirectorMinnesota 4-H Foundation

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your continued

support of FFA. It is greatly appreciated. This year, I competed in the FFA Farm Bureau Discussion Meet contest. I was a region winner and was able to compete in

the state contest. I enjoyed the experience and hope to participate in it again. Thank you for your dedication to helping teach the next generation of leaders in agriculture.

Sincerely,Emily AnnexstadSouth Central Ag ScienceAcademySt. Peter

Dear MFB Foundation,I thank you greatly for

sponsoring the Farm Bureau Discussion Meet at the Minnesota State FFA Convention. It was very fun and a great time. I look forward to next year.

Thanks again,Kaiser Kukowski


Farm Bureau Discussion Meet. I had a lot of fun in the contest and learned more about current ag issues.

Thanks!Jackson TriplettHLWW FFA

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you kindly for sponsoring

the Farm Bureau Discussion Meet! This was an excellent opportunity for me, and I had a wonderful time participating and discussing current agricultural issues and concerns.

Thank you once again!Liam FuryHLWW FFA


support for the Minnesota FFA organization. This was my first year participating in the Farm Bureau Discussion Meet, and it was definitely a wonderful experience! Thank you again for your support. The FFA truly appreciates everything you do!

Kirsten BarottGlencoe-Silver Lake

Minnesota Farm Bureau,Thank you for all you did to

support and help with the

Minnesota State FFA competitions. You change the way of our futures and help us achieve our dreams.

Thank you again,Dassel-Cokato FFA


Chapter would like to thank you for sponsoring the State FFA Convention.

Thank you.Sincerely,Eden Valley-Watkins FFA


Chapter would like to thank you for putting on the Farmland movie. Our chapter loved watching the movie. Thank you.

Sincerely,Eden Valley-Watkins FFA


of the Farmland movie at the 86th Minnesota FFA Convention! Our members had a great time as they were interacting with eye-opening workshops.

Thanks again,Medford FFA


Farmland movie at state. It was really great to learn about people’s stories as different farmers. It definitely sparked our interests even more in agriculture!

Thanks so much,Duluth FFA

MN Farm Bureau,Thank you so very much for

sponsoring the showing at the 2015 MN State FFA Convention of the documentary film Farmland. You truly give 110% to our state FFA association and are a true gem to us as members and to our advisors. We appreciate your continued support of our organization and all the events that we have each year

First Foundation

Intern

Foundation highlights

KATIE SCHMITT SERVED as an intern for the Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation this past year. This was the first year that the MFB Foundation provided an internship opportunity. Katie worked on the MFB Leadership Conference, Golf Scramble, Farmfest Pork Chop Stand and Minnesota Farm Camp in Dundas. Katie attends the University of Minnesota (U of M) and is a senior majoring in animal science – industry and business. Katie is pictured with U of M President Kaler at Farm Bureau’s Farmfest booth.

w�Gift of Grain (donation of commodities)w�Century Clubw�Memorials or Tributesw�Deferred or planned giving (wills and bequests, life insurance, remainder interest)w�Outright gifts (cash, securities, real estate)w�Endowments

There are several ways to make a tax deductible contribution to the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation.

Giving Options Dedicated to connecting consumers to farmers and serving rural communities.

For more information on the donation programs contact Ruth Meirick at ruth.meirick@�mn.org or 651-768-2115.

ruth meirickMFB Foundation Director

Continued...


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In 1986, the Minnesota Farm Bureau Board of Directors created the Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation. The focus was to grow, support and enhance agricultural education, safety education and leadership development. The mission is to provide opportunities for supporters of agriculture to invest in people and programs focused on supporting active farmers and agriculturalists,

better connecting agriculture to consumers and serving rural communities.

The MFB Foundation has continued and enhanced its efforts on agricultural education and safety education both with consumers and youth and continued education and leadership opportunities for farm and ranch families. These local outreach opportunities are supported by our Agricultural Promotion Grant program, now in its 12th year, which provides $40,000 to county Farm Bureaus to support consumer outreach activities such as Breakfast on the Farms, I Met a Farmer Tours and Farmers Market activities.

The MFB Foundation believes strongly in investing in today’s youth for tomorrow’s leaders by investing in educational and leadership development opportunities for them. During the last 16 years, the Foundation awarded over $200,000 in scholarships and grants that fund programs and projects designed to help improve agriculture and the quality of life for rural Minnesota. We have touched the lives of thousands of Minnesotans through our focus on agricultural education, safety education, leadership development and scholarships.

Safety tools such as the Agriculture Transportation Handbook, trespass flier and grain bin stickers are sought after resources.

The Speak for Yourself program has trained over 60 farmers and ranchers who are actively sharing their farm story to key influencer audiences such as service organizations, mom groups, businesses and high school classrooms. The Speak for Yourself program has reached nearly three million consumers since its inception in 2010.

This past year was the inaugural year of the Paul Stark Memorial Scholarship fund which kicked off at the 2014 MFBF Annual Meeting. Over $22,000 was raised for this fund during our Foundation’s auction.

The Foundation continues to actively develop and promote new programs that benefit rural Minnesota and its people. New programs and activities this past year included: Ÿ Gifts of Grains program where farmers can donate commodities;Ÿ Give to the Max Day;Ÿ Century Club;Ÿ Agriculture in the Classroom activities in the Minnesota State

Academy for the Deaf and the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind, as well as, in the metropolitan area; and

Ÿ Supplying the American Farm Bureau Federation’s new Food and Farm Fact Guide to key influencers throughout Minnesota.

Population shifts have resulted in fewer people living on farms and ranches and in rural communities. This has profound ramifications for agriculture and our way of life.

That is why your generous support of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation is so important. Your support shows you care about developing leaders and enhancing awareness of agriculture.

On behalf of the nearly 30,000 farm and ranch families of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, thank you for your kind support of the MFB Foundation.

KEVIN PAAPMINNESOTA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE

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from CDE invites to state convention. Your devotion to our organization and agriculture is greatly appreciated. It is because of support such as yours that our chapter is able to excel. Once again, thank you.

Sincerely,LeRoy-Ostrander FFA Chapter

Dear MFB Foundation,On behalf of the Paynesville Area

FFA Chapter, as well as the Minnesota FFA Association, I would like to thank you for your support to our annual state convention. State convention is a fun part of the year for me as well as many other members of our chapter and other chapters around the state. Our chapter brought 22 members to state convention and attended a multitude of different events and competitions, including ag mechanics, dairy judging, horse judging, band, creed speaking, public speaking, job interview, small animal and many others. We also had two of our members achieve their state degrees.

Those fun and knowledgeable experiences would not have been possible if it wouldn’t have been for your generosity and support. I was unable to attend your movie, but some fellow members told me it was great! We truly appreciate that you offer that for us to partake in. Once again, on behalf of the Paynesville Area FFA Chapter, as well as the Minnesota FFA Association, I would like to thank you for your support of our state convention this past year and we hope to have your support into the future!

Sincerely,Andrew LenzmeierPaynesville Area FFA Secretary

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your support of the

Minnesota FFA. It is much appreciated.

Thanks again,Lonnie SchuelkeMinneota FFA


generous support of the 86th Annual Minnesota FFA Convention! Our chapter had the opportunity to send 22 members who competed in parliamentary procedure, fish and wildlife, ag mechanics, Farm Bureau Discussion Meet and Best Informed Greenhand. In addition, members attended leadership workshops that are also benefitting our chapter.

This experience would not have been possible without your support! Thank you for aiding in providing these opportunities for our members!

Thank you for your support of FFA!

Glencoe-Silver Lake FFA Chapter


supporting the Minnesota FFA. The donations of time and money you put in to help out in our organization is an incredibly generous gift. The positive feedback we’ve received from those students who attended was awesome. The Russell-Tyler-Ruthton Chapter was represented in 11 different CDEs, two state degrees and two members of the honor band. The grand success of this event was due in large part to you and your efforts. On behalf of our chapter, students and parents, thank you for sharing your energy, talents and time.

Russell-Tyler-Ruthton FFA Officer Team


agricultural education and the FFA in Minnesota. Your 2015 contribution to the Minnesota FFA Foundation helps as we support thousands of young people across the state as they experience leadership programs in agriculture. Your investment in the over 25,000 students enrolled in agricultural education makes a difference.

Minnesota FFA members are actively involved with another school year, full of opportunities to grow and develop into young leaders. With your support, quality programs were held, allowing members to learn about agricultural careers, develop leadership skills and receive recognition for outstanding efforts.

Your donation supported the showing of the Farmland documentary at the Minnesota FFA Convention.

Sincerely,Val AarsvoldExecutive Director

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for your support! The

Parkers Prairie FFA Chapter THANKS YOU for supporting the 86th Minnesota State FFA Convention.

Parkers Prairie FFA


Farmland movie showing at our Minnesota FFA Convention. The convention was a great success and experience for the 43 members from the AFSA FFA Chapter. Our State Convention would not have been such a great success without your support.

AFSA FFA Officer Team


commitment and support to the FFA! It is very appreciated!

Jack BroderiusBLHS FFA

Dear MFB Foundation,We sincerely appreciate your

contribution to the State FFA Convention. We had 22 members from our FFA Chapter qualify, attend and participate in the 2015 State FFA Convention this year. It was an awesome experience! Without contributors like you, this event could not be as successful or educational as it is. You assist the FFA in accomplishing their mission to make a positive difference in our lives by developing our potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Thank you for being a sponsor, in doing so, we also thank you for believing in this great organization and in us!

Thank you,Norman County West FFA

Dear MFB Foundation,On behalf of all of the Foley FFA

members, we would like to thank you for providing sponsorship for various activities at the 86th annual Minnesota Convention. We appreciate your support.

Sincerely,Foley FFA Delegates

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for awarding the 2015

Gopher Dairy Camp a grant for this year! This contribution made it possible for our camp to be successful and able to work with 82 campers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan.

Thanks!Gopher Dairy Camp Chairs and Campers

Dear MFB Foundation,AFSA would like to thank you for

your contribution to our school. This generous support of our school allows us to make this a great place for student success and

growth as well as provide opportunities for us to give back to the community in service.

Thank you!Academy for Sciences and Agriculture High School

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you for the medals my

judging team won. We like the medals. I will do this again next year. I think the rest of my team will do it too.

Thanks!Joseph Mueller


champion individual judge at the 2015 MN Beef Expo. It’s a great honor to receive this award.

Thank you so much.Wesly Johnson

Dear MFB Foundation,Thank you to the Minnesota Farm

Bureau Foundation for sponsoring our medallions from the 1st place adult livestock judging team at Beef Expo. We are just starting our career in college as judgers and could not thank you enough for the support!

Emma Penzenstadler, Rachel Engel, Maggie Larson and Paige Netzke

Kevin Paap, PresidentDan Glessing, Vice PresidentChris Radatz, SecretaryDave Johnson, TreasurerLarry LarsonRobert RoelofsCarolyn Olson

Nathan CollinsFran MironJohn Gilbertson, Sr.Mike GundersonKristy MironTaLana Mathiowetz

County Board ChallengeThank you to the following County Board of Directors who participated in the County Board Challenge. This year we had a 54 percent increase in county Farm Bureau participation.

Ÿ Anoka County FB* Ÿ Arrowhead Regional Ÿ Becker County FBŸ Blue Earth County FBŸ Brown County FBŸ Carver County FBŸ Cass County FBŸ Crow Wing County FBŸ Dakota County FBŸ Dodge County FBŸ East Otter Tail County FBŸ Faribault County FBŸ Freeborn County FBŸ Goodhue County FBŸ Grant County FBŸ Houston County FBŸ Kandiyohi County FB

Ÿ Lincoln County FBŸ Lyon County FBŸ Mahnomen County FBŸ Northwest Regional FBŸ Martin County FBŸ Meeker County FBŸ Mower County FBŸ Nicollet County FBŸ Norman County FBŸ Northwest Regional FBŸ Olmsted County FBŸ Rice County FBŸ Scott County FBŸ Sibley County FBŸ Steele County FBŸ Traverse County FBŸ Wabasha County FBŸ Waseca County FBŸ Washington-Ramsey

County FBŸ Watonwan County FBŸ West Otter Tail County FBŸ West Polk County FBŸ Wright County FB

MFB Foundation Board of Directors

2015 Foundation

County Board Challenge

as of October 20, 2015county board

members who have donated $10 per person

*FB denotes Farm Bureau

16

P.O. Box 64370St. Paul, MN 55164651-768-2100 Fax: 651-768-2159info@�mn.org �mn.org


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The mission of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation is to provide opportunities for supporters of agriculture to invest in people and programs focused on supporting active farmers

and agriculturalists, better connecting agriculture to consumers and serving rural communities.

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation is poised to do just that.

In celebration of Minnesota Farm Bureau’s 100th Anniversary, we invite you to join the Minnesota Farm Bureau Century Club, a fundraising campaign to commemorate the past and celebrate the future of the Minnesota Farm Bureau.

This fund will assist in the development of programs and endeavors that encourage leadership development, agriculture education and outreach to an increasingly non-farm culture.

Your support of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation through the Century Club will ensure unification of past, present and future leaders of the organization behind a common mission – preserving our way of life by ensuring the development of leaders equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

2015Annual

FoundationReview

•

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation

Century Club


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Century Club MembersKevin DahlmanRobin KinneyLarry LarsonMark MaiersFran MironKevin PaapThe Stark Family

Join the Century Club

Today!

Be a part of the Minnesota Farm Bureau

Century Club today with a contribution of

$1,000 or a pledge totaling $1,000.

Pacesetters(Pledged to attain Century Club)Nada CarterDave JohnsonMiles KuschelRuth MeirickChris RadatzRobert Shepard

For more information, contact Ruth Meirick, DirectorMinnesota Farm Bureau FoundationPO Box 64370 • St. Paul, MN 55164

651-768-2115 • www.�mn.org

Documents

2015 Foundation Review