2012 Minnesota Farm Bureau Annual Report

History of Minnesota Farm Bureau

For over 90 years, the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation has been working to preserve, promote and strengthen American agriculture. This effort began in the beginning of the 20th century with the realization for the need of an effective voice in agriculture. The first county Farm Bureau on record in Minnesota was organized in 1913. On November 8, 1919, 24 county Farm Bureaus forming a combined membership of 16,457 statewide ratified the articles of incorporation. The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation was officially born in November of 1919 as a general farm organization of affiliated county Farm Bureaus. Within four months of its incorporation, the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation joined the newly formed American Farm Bureau Federation. Today with 78 county Farm Bureaus and nearly 30,000 members the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation continues to follow the ideals of its creators by promoting the beliefs and policies of its members.

What is the Minnesota Farm Bureau?

Membership in Minnesota Farm Bureau gives you grassroots input into the largest general farm organization in the United States, providing you with dozens of benefit services and member programs. An added benefit of becoming a member is automatic membership in to the American Farm Bureau Federation with over 6 million members.

Farm Bureau shares in the vision of strength and vitality for our community's individuals, families, businesses and organizations. In fact, Farm Bureau itself maintains an active focus on issues that can improve the quality of our communities.

Farm Bureau understands your priorities, because we are based in the heart of communities across Minnesota. For nearly 90 years, men and women have forged the foundation for one of America's great institutions. It's true that Farm Bureau's dynamic strength stems from our members at the grassroots level. People sharing ideas, seeing common wisdom, developing solid solutions...all in pursuit of improving the quality of life in a spirit of voluntary cooperation.

As Americans we are proud of our nation's rich agricultural heritage. Whether working on the farm or in other career fields, Farm Bureau members recognize the importance of agriculture as America's most basic industry. By joining Farm Bureau, you demonstrate your belief that maintaining agricultural strength is vital for all of us...and you help assure that the abundance we've come to enjoy continues.

Re-Defining Relevance

In early 2012, a strategic planning committee was formed to review the Minnesota Farm Bureau mission statement and vision. After months of gathering input and dissecting data, a final report was released in May 2012.

Re-Defining Relevance Final Report

Minnesota Farm Bureau staff are now in the implementation phase of the strategic plan.