State Officer Professional Development- Pioneer,MN Soybean, MN Pork, AgStar

#1 FFA members, you may say "wow this is a lot" but, truly I believe that this information from the State Officer Professional Development days is beneficial, and worthwhile. Bear with me! =)

I will admit it. I HATE MATH. I'm terrible at it. However, the following equation is one that I CAN do...

Solve: 8 FFA members + Highway 169 S + 4 agricultural companies + 2 soybean cookies + 1 meat thermometer at 160 degrees + 1 Pioneer T-shirt + 55,227 farm visits=

A. 7
B. 3 sheep

C. π

D. 1 amazing day in Mankato, Minnesota for State Officer Professional Development

If you guessed D YOU ARE CORRECT!

...if you guessed B, you are totally wrong and possibly worse at math than me.
Nonetheless, the 12th of February was a exciting and busy day to meet more people behind the partnership with Minnesota FFA.

Our first stop was with...

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association

We met with Mr.Jim Palmer, Executive Director of the Association. He treated us to some non-traditional chocolate cookies that have soybeans in them! Here are my 2 take away messages:

1. Minnesota is the forefront leader in soybean. Yes, I knew this, but I didn't realize the extent. North America's largest soybean processor is in our very own Mankato,MN. Also, soybeans are the number one protein in the worldwide diet! You can trust that the future of soybean production will prosper here in Minnesota not only because of the importance this little legume provides for animal feed, human consumption and energy- but because of the people who dedicate their lives to growing this exceptional crop.
2. We had a challenging conversation with Mr.Palmer about the negative images that are portrayed of agriculture today. More and more, our industry is attacked. What are we going to do about it? We as FFA members need to continue, if not, start being advocates in our community about agriculture. The passion we have should not be limited to the day we wear our FFA jacket, it should be a part of our everyday lives! Thank you Mr.Palmer and everyone at MN Soybean for your continuous support and advocacy of agriculture.
   *MN Soybean is a 4 STAR partner of MN FFA!!!! THANK YOU!

Our next stop was actually, more like our next step because it was right next to MN Soybean...

Minnesota Pork Producers

We were joined by former FFA members, and leaders for MN Pork: Trudy Wasweet and Jill Resler. I learned so much about the current status of the pork industry, the future and ways that I can help our pork producers out. So here is how you can help:

1. EAT PORK! Not only is it delicious with some BBQ sauce, but it is even just as healthy as eating a portion of skinless chicken breast. Minnesota is ranked second in the nation for hog production, just behind Iowa.In 2008, Minnesota pork generated $7.6 billion dollars! Today, our pork producers aren't doing the best because of the economy, mis-information about the H1N1 virus and even antibiotic scares. However, we must know that you cannot get the H1N1 virus from pork! Also, antibiotics are strategically used in the swine industry, and not an everyday use. They are used to promote the health of the pig in producing quality, wholesome pork!Finally, next time you are in the store buy some pork, and make sure to cook it to a safe temperature of 160 degrees.
2. "Piggybacking" on the previous comment, let's advocate! For 20 years, the Pork Ambassadors have made their presence known throughout our state. To be an ambassador, you do not even need to have come from a swine background. What matters is your passion for the industry! You might just get your head carved out of SPAM.Stop in at the Oink Booth at the state fair to learn more about the swine industry, or pick up some chocolate covered bacon!
   Minnesota Pork Producers are proud to share this message, "Our family is proud to feed yours."... love it. They sponsor the Swine Proficiency Award. Thank you Trudy and Jill!

Next stop:

Beth Lauwagie, past MN FFA Officer, welcomed us to Pioneer for some lunch, and her expertise with internships. For those of you who are looking to work in the future, mind you not just in the agricultural industry, but work- PIONEER offers some great internships to give you the edge and experience for the job you want. Not many companies offer a Sales Internship, but Pioneer does! Not only would you get experience working with sales, but you would get the advantage of working with a company that has a legacy of leadership in the world of business and agriculture.

Pioneer sponsors the Forage Production and Grain Production Proficiency Awards. Thank you!

Our final visit was with:
AgStar is a branch off Farm Credit Services. They focus on financial services such as loans and lending to agriculturalist across the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin in 69 counties. AgStar enhances the life in agriculture and rural America. AgStar makes sure they know the people they serve because last year they made over 55,000 farm visits. ONE YEAR. Jeanne and Jody both speak highly of their work, not only with financial assistance, but assistance with agriculturalists. They gave us some awesome gift bags! Thanks. AgStar is a 1 Star partner as well as the sponsor of the Stars over Minnesota (Star Farmer, Agribusiness, Placement, Agriscience)