James Dodds joined the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation in April 2000 as the north district area program director. He works with leaders in 13 regional and county Farm Bureaus helping them plan and implement effective programs and building membership.

Prior to joining Farm Bureau James taught various agricultural science courses and served as an FFA advisor at both a high school and a junior high school. Growing up in southwestern Arkansas, James' family farm has provided agricultural experiences with commercial cow/calf operations, forestry and wood products, swine, hay and forages.

James is a graduate of the University of Arkansa-Fayetteville with a bachelor of science in agricultural education and animal science along with a masters degree in agricultural education. At the U of A, he was an active member and served in numerous officer roles with the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, Collegiate FFA and Alpha Zeta.

James and his wife Missy reside in Bemidji and enjoy reading, history and outdoor activities.