Farm Organizations Seek Farmers to Speak Up for Agriculture

MANKATO, MN (08/31/2010)(readMedia)-- Farmers interested in helping the public better understand how Minnesota's farm families are feeding the world, caring for the environment and fueling the economy are invited to participate in a new advocacy program called Speak for Yourself.

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) are organizing a statewide team of farmers to share information about their family farms to local business organizations, civic groups, community organizations and other non-farm groups.

"We need to be at the table and engage with consumers, share our stories and listen to the consumers questions," said MFBF President Kevin Paap. "This year, we are looking for at least 40 farmers who are interested in sharing their story with others in an approximately 50 mile radius from their farms."

"If agriculture doesn't speak for itself, others will, and their message is not always what people need to hear," says Ron Obermoller, a Brewster, Minn., farmer and MSR&PC vice-chairman. "By sharing their individual stories, farmers who participate in Speak for Yourself will help all of agriculture."

If you are interested in learning more about Speak for Yourself contact Tara Sammon Meyer at 612-756-3223, speakforyoursselfmn@gmail.com.

The MSR&PC is made up of an elected board of 15 soybean producers from across the state. The mission of the council is to invest soybean check-off dollars in well-defined research, marketing, education and commercialization programs designed to increase demand and thereby improve the profitability of Minnesota's soybean farmers. Visit www.mnsoybean.org for more information.

MFBF is comprised of 78 local Farm Bureau associations who represent farmers, families and food across Minnesota. Members make their views known to political leaders, state government officials, special interest groups and the general public. Programs for young farmers and ranchers develop leadership skills and improve farm management. Promotion and Education Committee members work with programs such as Ag in the Classroom and safety education for children. Join Farm Bureau today and support our efforts to serve as an advocate for rural Minnesota, www.fbmn.org.