[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6326794,"mediaKeyId","2323683-9af0207e5ce1e293bb76eae4c5cc6cde","parentId",2323683,"title","GreenSeam representatives describe regional ag‑education and talent work; offer school and industry partnerships","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",5665000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2323683-9af0207e5ce1e293bb76eae4c5cc6cde&start=5665&end=5665","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2323683-9af0207e5ce1e293bb76eae4c5cc6cde/thumbnail_5665000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6326794/Minnesota/GreenSeam-representatives-describe-regional-ageducation-and-talent-work-offer-school-and-industry-partnerships","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6326794-68f68910ff189048f2a48d6fb6204d5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154190&Signature=RNSgrV1mY~GC9RubXkyW9~f-K43FbiIXo-Kwc4kEux1mnd4AftxtyNjryDpM17K36lMNO95IDLEUe6-TIwimz7~Qyuf727i3mUWw2V7UHV~stR3KgAtZGpbPvKEIWiZ95kz~uH~t3rP2s~i-8js7lgzunLZeNhp9loM-6Y6x5Q~N1SiZex-P6wNPXIrdj8sQvkKr1yoz5TQXXSXWXwTIDCn~SSOjarVx43L6UBlz0Pu9x-ujgk--7c4dgPtBhrSuEBb3cx4U2WICa~T8Tf~aI~Zw7vPRKzMdRV7LYTCmDnQ26YtNh6RXxblDi8DDYS0QnBDZmJ7uaCtR-2lIPsF3wA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MNHouseInfo","date","2025-02-17T00:00:00Z","article","GreenSeam representatives presented the organization’s regional economic-development work to connect education, employers and agribusiness.

Sam Ziegler, GreenSeam president, said the nonprofit focuses on economic development across the ag value chain and highlighted talent-development projects, entrepreneurship workshops and a fifth State of Ag Report due March 18. Wesley Beck, GreenSeam board chair, emphasized partnerships among industry, higher education and state agencies and described a 5-to-1 private-to-public funding match for GreenSeam activities.

Mankato-area agriculture teacher Robin Tid described GreenSeam’s role in reintroducing ag education and an FFA chapter in the district, helping with advisory boards, fundraising and hands-on supports such as greenhouse troubleshooting. Two Mankato FFA students spoke about skills and opportunities they gained through the program and FFA activities.

Presenters asked for continued support for regional talent and education partnerships; no immediate committee action was taken.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 2/17/25","oneSentenceSummary","GreenSeam testified about work to build an ag-tech and ag-business talent pipeline, support entrepreneurship, and partner with schools and colleges; Mankato-area educators and students described benefits of local support for an FFA program.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota","taxId",77817,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6326799,"County fair leaders describe use of AGRI grants and premium funds to preserve ag education and lower participation costs",748,4939000,5687000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2323683-9af0207e5ce1e293bb76eae4c5cc6cde&start=4939&end=5687","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2323683-9af0207e5ce1e293bb76eae4c5cc6cde/thumbnail_4939000.jpg","/articles/6326799/Minnesota/County-fair-leaders-describe-use-of-AGRI-grants-and-premium-funds-to-preserve-ag-education-and-lower-participation-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6326799-9f4baeb558135be58abae50f2669c4e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154190&Signature=A96k1kcH2kDC5PQFxOC~huq-eMjC3SaPWgLiQlXErbjJpSgkBs0pgs86Ml2g1-RXjnJZqHFtpuW9LqwrDJf38HEsRXCT3fIJHQkZVTde~qB50MOpVs64RhwsVrup9Yb~Mg27KJxoLGUihPmc0PsHviPN20B8NZe8BN23mCms7AnKoILob1pM0C4ZxCzVx9gUAxDJPK~N8IyErRHD2ODVf7Wb~S-tIe3SEHcOL8KoYTo2069yXqFHBFCHDqST2tnvTd8oJqwmj~EcAWWi0H3qz0csAqW8TO7a1L6ajgFG9fbECEHfe6eqLEr0IzvmlVd3BVwefhhJAhrb1nYHLqQocQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs described how county agricultural societies use state AGRI grants and premium funds to maintain fairgrounds, support agricultural exhibits and reduce participation barriers for exhibitors.

Andrew Dewar told the committee county agricultural societies are quasi‑government entities formed under Minnesota chapter 38 and that all 87 counties have an ag society; some large counties operate multiple fairs. He explained two state streams the committee oversees: AGRI grants (about $1 million per year) that are distributed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for ag‑education projects and premium fund payments that help cover monetary awards tied to fair ribbons. Dewar described the premium fund formula in statute and noted the premium appropriation (statutory line) is limited and prorated when demand exceeds availability.

Chisago County Fair secretary Jen Penzenstadler gave examples of projects funded by AGRI grants — building and sidewalk repairs, hand‑washing stations, ventilation and livestock pen systems and a locally developed ag education center used for demonstrations and ag‑literacy outreach. Members asked whether fairs pay property taxes; Penzenstadler said arrangements vary by county and fair but that central examples include county ownership of fairgrounds or ownership by ag societies; committee staff offered to follow up with a summary of ownership and tax arrangements.

No committee action was taken during the hearing.","County fair representatives told the committee about how AGRI grants and premium funds support fair infrastructure, ag education and access for exhibitors; they urged continued state support.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6326804,"Rural mental health specialists warn of rising farm stress; program capacity at limit",1107,3842000,4949000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2323683-9af0207e5ce1e293bb76eae4c5cc6cde&start=3842&end=4949","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2323683-9af0207e5ce1e293bb76eae4c5cc6cde/thumbnail_3842000.jpg","/articles/6326804/Minnesota/Rural-mental-health-specialists-warn-of-rising-farm-stress-program-capacity-at-limit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6326804-36566ab4aa47feee61c32fcbf763d5d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154190&Signature=TgdbfruJoy8710rLo4WnnvsdqYAPmPXih97zG3P8hGDXkZ0~tTV4Bi1j6R-PRDvE0Ub22y407LmRgiHjJbOEnoWE45mdUyzot5EyKFCMfJIm~3jtbKF2F96VDOWvSzNtZlgULtp-GwH5xT0RDGQgeyo4qc3TTw1XKzIYDH7lrsTmOG9a7SQQUmCAS6AEqqUMIGDVIGgB-Qb7~MMXzJ0B8DaNDbSLZOx56ZdMaCfjE7Di6gYnoME77Bylnae62qw8AdVzbcR9asmIXyE0IX9T5f4y0tR87xpOHzqzw~QYZMQEPgrdeDffyVSt9dZRAYdJuZ3R8AikyvrDt~Zy0x0CJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Legislatively funded rural mental health specialists told the House Ag Finance and Policy Committee that demand for counseling and outreach from farmers and farm families has risen and that program capacity is taxed.

Monica McConkie, who described herself as one of two state-funded rural mental health specialists, said she provided 652 client sessions in 2024 and received approximately 650 calls and emails seeking help. McConkie said presenting issues included stress, depression, anxiety, family conflict related to farm transition and substance use. She read an anonymized email from a farmer describing recent years of extreme weather and financial uncertainty.

Ted Matthews, the other specialist, described the program’s approach: immediate hotline access, no-cost services, travel to clients and training for local behavioral-health providers to improve agricultural competence. Committee staff told members the Department of Agriculture’s current appropriation for the program (listed in the committee’s budget line) is $520,000 for the biennium. Representatives asked whether the program also reaches tribal and farm-worker populations; presenters said they serve agricultural workers when referred and that demand makes additional outreach difficult without more resources.

Members thanked the specialists and noted the wider rural mental-health needs; the committee did not take formal action on this item during the meeting.","Two legislatively funded rural mental health specialists told the committee they fielded hundreds of sessions and outreach contacts in 2024 and urged continued support; committee staff said the program's base appropriation is $520,000 for the biennium.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6326809,"Lawmakers hear pitch to expand Farm Business Management funding; HF 653 laid over",2327,1511000,3838000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2323683-9af0207e5ce1e293bb76eae4c5cc6cde&start=1511&end=3838","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2323683-9af0207e5ce1e293bb76eae4c5cc6cde/thumbnail_1511000.jpg","/articles/6326809/Minnesota/Lawmakers-hear-pitch-to-expand-Farm-Business-Management-funding-HF-653-laid-over","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6326809-8172ef89158995aafadfa96374587d6a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154190&Signature=bZk3Y9WCU-yY1dUMadItsdJ1gApbvaMr77dhmu3X4Hn3w1g5CJvYnNhL4y8ZgXZ0qTPEkZQjIi7rcMyE4Hu0E1G5FnoEZTvMXSrNrbjJ6s3uo~nesCTTAT6noudi~COHl8bEWp7Kb89uXhNujgAHEYh9IQTpRB-n-DTklRQxs34LWxkZ6YZo7aEPz~9opPyujXajsnSJMlUFpCC184a5G-7rVEq~zYR66d~trZEG4CNs1jaLwc0wkXTlkvHZbX1vMkZD0FCi~ImMjLZY7kwnm2IgnGN-s0u0wZFQlTjM1t0Xw1I~DzgSdS2b~hMdlsdLhqnrKjqWfqCEwNa0~-MJLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives and presenters reviewed the Farm Business Management program, which the presenters said operates out of seven colleges within Minnesota State and serves a range of farm students for one-on-one, on-farm financial education.

Keith Olander, who leads the Northern Center of Excellence for Agriculture at Minnesota State, said FBM instructors are delivering specialized, on-farm training and that the program uses the Finbin and Finpack data tools to benchmark farm performance. \"Our farmers tell us... they gained either because they're able to reduce input or increase income,\" Olander said, and cited a commonly reported per‑farm benefit figure derived from participant surveys.

Tina LeBrun, director of the Southern Ag Center of Excellence and former FBM instructor, described instructor responsibilities and workforce pressures: \"Retention, faculty retention, replacement, and recruitment\" were listed as the program's top workforce issues. Testimony emphasized that FBM instructors act as local, trusted advisors on tax planning, farm transition and cash‑flow management.

Representative Nelson introduced House File 653 to increase state support for the FBM challenge grants by $750,000 each fiscal year (an increase Mr. Savory later described as $1.5 million over the biennium when counting both years). Committee members heard multiple farmer testimonials describing how FBM advice influenced business decisions; the bill was moved and laid over for future budget work.","Presenters described Minnesota's Farm Business Management (FBM) program, its reach and role in farm financial resilience. Representative Nelson moved House File 653 to increase FBM challenge-grant funding; the committee laid the bill over for future consideration.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_46":117,"_48":118,"_50":119,"_52":120,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":121,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":122,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6326813,"Committee hears proposal to boost agricultural education grants; House File 711 laid over",1167,197000,1364000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2323683-9af0207e5ce1e293bb76eae4c5cc6cde&start=197&end=1364","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2323683-9af0207e5ce1e293bb76eae4c5cc6cde/thumbnail_197000.jpg","/articles/6326813/Minnesota/Committee-hears-proposal-to-boost-agricultural-education-grants-House-File-711-laid-over","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6326813-e437834f0cdc79649ad39f993eed0fa3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154190&Signature=DKr9XSHnYRCJui~OgRo6x6oPVDdKTRj2NvRjw4D7EuVRmksqEVgsYmnNwK4JtS-9jQxlzVJA4VzsfK8Pv4HnSYtC5kQORzTfH9BdVYIBtggEnR4BkF6beWRy4adbcqcdXavQ0iwj9PTjSs9uYNKkgQK~xnLfMnD0FCocdRPFl1Y5KxGdNP3smT-PAx2MHYmgt264SoA~gh-VXdPhNjcbXINaoYGIruCLP3dw0cCCobcjH4KMiAXB0cH5Qms5PFUhLxwZx22y6f6MU2v-oAxL-DxLiy0d4zrRdvjzstE3EYVVHUEWm0gD~N-YbfLrztRWRqhTtT6-kksIhqxJmIn9uQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chair Anderson opened the hearing on House File 711, a bill to increase state support for the Minnesota Agriculture Education Leadership Council and its grant programs, then invited testimony from the council’s executive director.

Sarah Dornick, executive director of the Minnesota Agriculture Education Leadership Council, told the committee the council runs two main grant streams and teacher recruitment and retention work and that its current baseline appropriation is $250,000 per year. “We are pretty lean, but I like to say we're efficient and effective with our money,” Dornick said, describing grant awards that in the last fiscal year funded 33 projects across the state and supported classroom equipment, greenhouse and garden projects and ag literacy work.

Dornick said the council distributes most funding as pass-through grants via the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and that the council is housed at the University of Minnesota for fiscal and administrative purposes. Hunter Peterson, public policy specialist for the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, and other testifiers supported the bill, saying previous state investment produced measurable expansion of programs such as FFA chapters and local school-based agriculture instruction.

Committee members asked how the council manages grants and whether it follows Office of Grants Management rules; Dornick said the council participates in the Department of Agriculture’s processes and attends Office of Grants Management webinars and that most of its grants fall below thresholds that would trigger additional layers of review. Representative Hansen sought confirmation of the size of the proposed increase; Dornick confirmed the committee was being asked to add $250,000 per year to the $250,000 base (roughly $500,000 over the two-year biennium).

Chair Anderson moved House File 711 before the committee and the bill was laid over at the committee’s request for future budget consideration.","Members of the House Ag Finance and Policy Committee heard testimony on funding increases for the Minnesota Agriculture Education Leadership Council and related grant programs. Chair Anderson moved House File 711; the bill was laid over for later consideration.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

GreenSeam representatives describe regional ag‑education and talent work; offer school and industry partnerships

County fair leaders describe use of AGRI grants and premium funds to preserve ag education and lower participation costs

Rural mental health specialists warn of rising farm stress; program capacity at limit

Lawmakers hear pitch to expand Farm Business Management funding; HF 653 laid over

Committee hears proposal to boost agricultural education grants; House File 711 laid over