A BETTER VOICE FOR AGRICULTURE

MN farmers building their leadership skills

a longtime financial sponsor of the Young Leader program.

“Developing the next generation of advocates is so important to MSGA, and we were pleased to welcome Gary and Tim to their first board meeting. MSGA is a family, and we’re glad to welcome them into the fold,” said MSGA President Bob Worth, a graduate of the program. “It’s very important that we grow and develop emerging leaders to keep MSGA going, and the Young Leader program is a key step in that process. The Young Leader Program is a big step in building those crucial leadership skills.”

Getting involved

Braun is from Mille Lacs County, where he grew up on his family farm and eventually started his own operation (he’s still working with his family). Schoenfeld is a fourthgeneration Waseca County producer who also farms with his family.

Though they hail from from different parts of Minnesota, both have a common goal of wanting to grow their leadership knowledge. In March, they’ll graduate as Young Leaders and will be involved in MSGA’s resolution process during Commodity Classic in Orlando.

“I got involved because I wanted to get more involved at a bigger level within the state and nation on telling my farm story,” Braun said.

Every farmer, no matter the acreage, crop or geography of their operation, has a story to share. The program shapes agriculture leaders and connects their stories around the nation. By doing so, it creates a network for them to connect and help each other.

Better together

The Schoenfelds operate a fourthgeneration farm in Waseca County. One of the unique aspects of the