LEADERSHIP MFBF will... Recognize, empower and engage our members; Create a culture that provides opportunities for leadership development and growth; Identify and utilize member strengths; Reliable integrated membership database system
Leadership Conference Issue: Minnesota Farm Bureau members are constantly seeking opportunities to learn about trends in agriculture, gain tools to enhance leadership and professional development and network with other members. The Leadership Conference is designed to provide leadership training for all Farm Bureau members. Action: The 2016 Leadership Conference was held in Bloomington. Attendees participated in tours and breakout sessions focused on agriculture, leadership and engagement. Topics ranged from leadership, advocacy, policy and business, navigating the generation gap, preparing for farm injuries, sharing your farm story, classroom visits made easy, working with environmental issues, building policy relationships, leveraging cooperative power and developing business and marketing plans. Attendees received training on Minnesota agriculture The theme was “Apples, Apples, Apples” and the kits contained educational activities, the books “How to See the World and Make an Apple Pie” and “The Apple Riddle,” and information on the American Foundation for Agriculture resources and the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom. During the conference, attendees conducted a service project for Kids Against Hunger packing 10,800 meals for Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP) based in Bloomington. The Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation sponsored this hunger service project with a donation of $2,500. Farm Bureau members also raised over $1,700 for a hunger relief project in the Twin Cities called Love One Another, which is a part of Minneapolis Recreation Development Inc., providing sandwiches, socks and basic necessities for those in need. Result: Nearly 250 members took part in the conference and were trained in consumer engagement, classroom presentations and policy issues. Through networking and training, stronger leadership skills were developed. Leadership development opportunities are available throughout the year for all Farm Bureau members. 8
“Farm Bureau has given us the platform to not only engage with, but also have a conversation with consumers, as well as educating youth on where their food comes from.” —Scott and Samantha Runge, Watonwan County
Youth and Collegiate Outreach Issue: As a general farm organization, Farm Bureau monitors all issues. Farm Bureau recognizes the opportunity to assist in developing stronger leaders and strengthen collaborative efforts. Action: To reach college aged students, the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee met with college student agriculture organizations on six different campuses throughout the state. To increase participation in the Collegiate Discussion Meet, regional contests were held on campuses prior to a final competition at the MFBF Annual Meeting. Minnesota Farm Bureau also participated in the annual Ag Awareness Day on the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis campus. Minnesota Farm Bureau hosts a yearly training with the state FFA officers; assists in training the state 4-H ambassadors and assists with leadership training for these youth leadership organizations throughout the year. In addition, all FFA Chapters in the state are members of Farm Bureau so that we can serve as a resource to these advisors and chapter leaders. Every FFA Advisor receives the Impact newsletter. Result: Minnesota Farm Bureau continues to strengthen its working relationship with these organizations and is viewed as a valuable partner in creating strong leaders. These energetic, future leaders are enlightening individuals, and they see the opportunities to be the next generation of agriculture.