Meeting the people behind the partnership...

On one of the Fridays of each month in the year, the state officer team drops our books, fills up our tanks and road trips down, up and wherever we need to be for a day of Professional Development. During these days, we get to meet the people behind the partnership of Minneosta FFA-> our sponsors and partners!

In October, we had quite the schedule, driving down to New Ulm and Sleepy Eye, Minnesota to meet with the leaders of Christensen Farms, Gislason & Hunter and Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI)

During the morning with,

Christensen Farms

we learned even more about the humble beginnings of this company and its people. CF began in 1974 with just 2 bred gilts, through an FFA SAE project and has expanded to a collection of farms that produce enough pork to feed over 12 million people each year! Based on the number of sows they have, farrowing (giving birth to piglets) 29 piglets each year, they produce over 3.5 million pigs each year! WOW!

One thing that stuck out in my head about CF was their message about producing pork that is:

" Safe, Quality and Consistent "

I love that.
Thank you to Rod, Val, Cheryl, Misty, George (past MN State Officer!), Adam and Bob for taking valuable time out their day to be with us, share the message of Christensen Farms as well as their own personal stories. Also, thank you for the delicious rolls.

I was too scared to eat one...

After a drive to New Ulm from Sleepy Eye, we stopped at a restaurant for an authentic German meal sponsored by another outstanding group,

Gislason & Hunter

Mike Dove, (a past State Officer!) works with G&H and has been the strong connection between MN FFA and his law firm. Yes, even though you may think ...

"Hmmm, a law firm? What would they want to do with FFA? They are NOT agriculture."

- a valid question. The relationship between G&H and FFA is a true demonstration of the passion that people have for FFA, even if they may not work directly with production ag or agribusiness. Joining us for dinner was the NEW ULM FFA CHAPTER OFFICERS! I was so excited to see them again, because I met most of them at State Convention or at summer camp. Thank you to Mr. Dove for his continuous support of the Minnesota FFA Association, its members and its mission. Also- thanks for the delicious meal!

I ate some "Hassenpfeffer" (rabbit.)

Finally, after filling our bellies with German food, we made our final stop for October at the corner stone of the largest cheddar cheese producer in the nation, dairy nation-

Associated Milk Producers Inc.

Here we got a VIP tour of the butter plant in New Ulm, and learned more about our butter (which has drastically changed the way I look at butter in the store) * but it's not bad.

Are you a fan of Subway? Well, AMPI is the #1 supplier of their cheeses, including Pepper Jack (my favorite). AMPI turns over 13 million pounds of milk into cheese- EACH DAY! That means that in the last minute, over 150 pounds of cheese were made.

One of the key points I think about when I think about AMPI is the fact that they, work to "represent Midwest dairy producers in development of dairy policy."

Its not all about the money, corporate world, business ect... its about the people and the farmers who work each day to raise healthy cows to produce wholesome milk.

Mmmmm... you've just got to try the butter.

Thank you Sheryl, Ed and Bill for their time to provide and excellent experience, tour and BUTTER!

NOW FOR NOVEMBER!

Just the other day, our team set out for Inver Grove Heights to meet with a Fortune 100 company, Minnesota company and strong supporter of FFA:

CHS Inc.

Our day was spent learning even more about this food, grain and energy cooperative. Just walking into the building I thought, "I WANT TO WORK HERE!" It is a great atmosphere! Most of my time with CHS, I spent reflecting and thinking about my upcoming internship with them this summer. Through my time meeting with employees at the State fair, volunteering at the CHS Miracle of Birth Center, or talking with William Nelson about the good things that CHS Foundation has to offer- I truly feel welcome here. I can't wait until I get started with this outstanding company!

Thank you ,thank you, THANK YOU to Lisa (recent recipient of the Honorary American FFA Degree), William, Cate, Kevin, Lani, Theresa ,Brian, Jessica, Roger, Steve and many more who spent a part of their day with us. Whether it was sharing insight on careers, talking about grain marketing, learning more about how to organize an annual meeting, meeting the woman behind the words and speeches of the CHS C.E.O, sharing lunch or hearing about cool opportunities to go the the PGA tour- every moment was great. Thank you CHS for everything you do. Thanks for the SWEATSHIRT TOO!

FFA members, a lot that we do happens because of incredible individuals who work and serve companies and businesses that support FFA. With out them, a lot would not be possible. I encourage you to take some time and to write a simple thank you to these people. Thanksgiving is coming soon- why not?