Minnesota

Minnesota AgrAbility staff attended and hosted a booth at the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation's (MFBF) 94th Annual Conference and awards banquet at the Double Tree Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota. Minnesota Farm Bureau is the largest general farm organization in the state representing farmers and farm families. Members determine policy through a grassroots process involving the Farm Bureau members in 78 county Farm Bureau units in a formal, democratic process. Programs for Young Farmers and Ranchers help develop leadership abilities and improve farm management. Over 300 people gathered for the meeting, providing a constant flow of interested farmers, county directors, and members of congress and allowing time to discuss AgrAbility and the impact Minnesota AgrAbility Project has on disabled farmers and their families in Minnesota.

Minnesota AgrAbility staff also attended and hosted a booth at the Minnesota Farmers Union annual meeting. Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. This annual meeting was held back to back with the Minnesota Farmers Union, allowing staff to reach many members of Congress at the state and national level. Minnesota AgrAbility staff continued the discussion with leaders in the agriculture industry to awareness of the need for continued funding of AgrAbility locally and nationally.

Submitted by Dan Stores