Minnesota Farm Bureau’s LeadAg Institute came together on Monday for the second session of its year-long leadership program. This session centered on developing strong leadership through grassroots advocacy, giving members the knowledge and confidence to work effectively with elected officials and build lasting connections.

The group met at the Minnesota State Capitol for a hands-on learning session about the impact of grassroots advocacy and how to have productive meetings with legislators. Members observed the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee meeting and attended the Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee meeting. During the Senate committee meeting they shared the LeadAg Institute and their personal agricultural backgrounds.

While at the Capitol, participants also had the opportunity to meet with Commissioner of Agriculture Thom Petersen, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Aric Putnam, and House Agriculture Committee Co-Chair Paul Anderson.

The next day, LeadAg members attended the Minnesota Farm Bureau Day on the Hill event and met with their local legislators to advocate for agriculture.

The group will gather next for its third session in Marshall, Minnesota, this June.