Farmers throughout Minnesota have volunteered to share their farm stories to help consumers and business groups better understand farming today. These farmers hope to engage with consumers and show farmers share the same concerns for their food, their family, the environment and their animals.
Seven Minnesota farmers recently completed training Dec. 9 and 10 in St. Paul.
"Consumers appreciate hearing directly from farmers about what they do to raise food," says Kristin Harner, Minnesota Farm Bureau public relations director. "We are excited to add these newly trained farmers to the committed group of volunteers who share their farm and ranch stories and their inborn fondness for raising food, fiber and re-newable fuel. We're already looking at ways to expand the program to reach more audiences, including mom groups."
Newly trained speakers include: Judy Barka-Meeker County, Charles Krause-Wright County, Sara Larson-Waseca County, Jared Luhman-Goodhue County, Loren Molenaar-Kandiyohi County, Mike Schneider-Stevens County and Bruce Tiffany-Redwood County.
Established in 2011, the Farming Today program has reached more than 400,000 Minnesotans with information about how today's farming methods ensure safe and nutritious food. Most consumers today are several generations removed from the farm with little knowledge of agriculture. Farming Today gives farmers the opportunity to connect with consumers and share their story of responsible, sustainable farming.
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Farming Today volunteers are trained speakers, located throughout Minnesota. They include farmers who raise row crops, dairy and beef cattle, sheep, goats, poultry and pigs. To schedule a speaker in your area, contact Barbara Dodson at 800-711-0747. To learn more about Farming Today, visit www.fbmn.org/pages/ speak-for-yourself.
