Talent in the GreenSeam

Editor’s note — Shane Bowyer close the AFNR workforce gap. writes: “We are fortunate to live in Additionally, SACE supports postsuch a rich agriculture region – not secondary institutions and the only because of the land and live- Farm Business Management prostock, but the ag educational enti- gram through professional developties. This month’s “Talent in the ment, outreach and recruitment. GreenSeam” highlights the work of SACE is hosted by South Central the Southern Agriculture Center of College in North Mankato, Minn., Excellence (SACE). The staff at but represents all Minnesota State SACE wrote this article. Colleges and Universities — focusNo matter what industry you’re in, businesses are short of talent and it’s impacting our economy. Organizations are in search of creTALENT IN THE GREENSEAM By Shane Bowyer ing on those in southern Minnesota. There is also a Northern Agricultural Center of Excellence, located in Staples, Minn. ative ways to attract people to work for them with AFNR careers involve more than crop production dire consequences if they don’t succeed. In the past or working with animals. There are eight pathways year, some businesses adjusted their working hours which are classified into AFNR including: Plant or days they are open. For others, businesses have Systems, Environmental Systems, Biotechnology, closed due to not having enough workers. Power, Structural and Technical Systems, Natural Agriculture is not immune to these challenges. Resource Systems, Agribusiness Systems, Animal Within the Minnesota State system, there are eight Centers of Excellence (COE). Each COE Systems and Food Products and Processing Systems. serves a major industry facing serious workforce As part of SACE‘s mission, the organization shortages. The COE’s are connected with each attends career fairs and conduct classroom visits to other and collaborate with industry and educators high schools. The message to students is that the to attract and prepare students for success in high- backbone of our region is supported by agriculture demand careers. and ag careers are wider in scope than they might The Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence is an advocate for agriculture. It promotes Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) pathways by engaging students in an educational conversation about AFNR career opportunities. SACE establishes partnerships between educational think. Potential careers include those in marketing, technology, human resources, engineering, mechanics, law enforcement, logistics, finance, banking, medicine, physics, teaching or ecology. These are all careers in AFNR and many of them are in high demand. institutions and the agricultural industry in order to RealTime Talent reports on current Minnesota labor market information and helps provide SACE with accurate salary ranges for the AFNR career pathways. This information is updated annually and is published in a brochure for outreach and recruitment efforts. This past August, data showed wages generally increased in AFNR careers. In fact, Animal Systems careers saw a median wage increase of $15,000 from May 2020 and Natural Resources Systems increased by $10,000.

To obtain a copy of the AFNR Career Pathway Brochure, visit https://www.centerofagriculture.org/ students/career-pathways.

Within the Minnesota State College and University system, SACE supports the Farm Business Management (FBM) program, which is provided at seven two-year colleges statewide in Minnesota. FBM is designed to assist current farm owners and managers to achieve their farm business and family goals. FBM education has been part of the Agriculture Education program in Minnesota since 1952 and 3,000 farmer families have been served annually in Minnesota. FBM is not unique to Minnesota, but has been recognized as a premiere educational program within the country. Thanks to the team of almost 70 statewide instructors as well as our students who make that happen!

One of the assets associated with the FBM program is the Farm Business Management Southern Minnesota Annual Report. This report summarizes all of the financial information from more than 1,500 farmers in southern Minnesota; and serves as a benchmark and helps one look for trends from year to year.

See GREENSEAM, pg. 10

Intern in the

Sam Csizmadia

Mankato, Minn. School: Minnesota State University, Mankato Major: Business Management Minor: Agribusiness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Internship with Kibble Equipment

How did you learn about your internship?

I own a lawncare business and am a customer of Kibble Equipment in Mankato for my equipment, parts, and service. When I purchased a new mower this spring, the idea came up while we were chatting and over the summer the opportunity for an internship became available Have you always wanted a career in ag?

Living in Southern Minnesota my whole life I have always been surrounded by ag, and it has always been interesting to me. I have some relatives who farm in southwestern Minnesota. Over the last few years I have visited their farm more often, and I have grown more interested and serious about having a career in the ag industry in some form. Why did you choose an internship in the ag industry?

Knowing that I want to end up with a career in the ag field and learning in class how vast the ag industry spans beyond being a farmer, I wanted to get firsthand experience to grow my knowledge to find where I belong in the industry, and where I can grow and make an impact. What are you learning on the job you did not learn in class?

I am learning that ag is so much more complex than just planting seeds and watching your crops grow all summer. Data and technology in the ag field are vital to efficient and profitable operations and are only growing in demand and upgrades. I’ve been amazed watching massive equipment work with extreme precision through GPS and connected systems, and the data tracking from the field information to help make input decisions in the future. What surprised you about the internship?

My first day happened to be during Kibble’s technology expo training week. I had the opportunity to test drive some of the newest tractors and implements coming for 2022. I never thought my first day would be getting into a seat and operating a machine worth more than my house! In what ways has your employer worked with you to be flexible for your student life and classes?

I have been very fortunate for Kibble’s flexibility with my busy schedule. I am a full-time student and I’m running my business while trying to put in as many hours as I can with my internship. Kibble has allowed me to pick my days and hours to go to class and be flexible with my landscape projects. When winter comes, I can increase my hours at Kibble when my schedule is more open, and then when I need to go plow snow for my business, I can take the time I need to plow and then return to the dealership. What is your favorite animal?

Bison What is your favorite food?

Smoked brisket Who is you favorite musical artist/band?

Lately it’s been Colter Wall or just about anything Country.