On National Ag Day, nearly 130 Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFBF) members brought agriculture’s story to the state Capitol, attending the organization’s Day on the Hill. 

Members started the day on the Minnesota Capitol Mall hearing from Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Aric Putnam, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, MFBF President Dan Glessing and other leaders before heading into the Capitol to meet with their local leaders. Gov. Walz also presented the Ag Day in Minnesota proclamation, honoring all that agriculture contributes to the Minnesota economy.

“The 2023 legislative session has been busy, and our public policy team and members have been advocating for our grassroots policy in a variety of ways,” said President Dan Glessing. “But at the end of the day the best way to get our members' concerns heard at the Capitol is for them to meet with legislators in person.”

“We have a world that needs fuel, fiber, and food and in Minnesota our agriculture economy is one of the diverse in the country to meet those needs,” said Gov. Walz. 

With a busy legislative session and lots of new faces in the House and Senate chambers, MFBF members were able to share their stories directly with their local elected officials and showcase the impact of legislative decisions on farming and ranching in the state. 

“You being here today is an example of people trying to work and advocate for future people,” said Sen. Aric Putnam. “You’re here working on behalf of farmers and the work that you do to benefit people you’ve never met.”

“To see tractors in the front of the Capitol, and to see almost every type of agriculture represented here today is so important,” said Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Minnesota is an agriculture powerhouse and to have you here today speaks volumes.”

On the Capitol Mall, two John Deere tractors highlighted the interactive display to raise awareness about agriculture and MFBF's presence at the Captiol that day. Attendees were also able to engage with the MFBF ‘Farmers Produce More than Produce’ 2-D displays, displays showcasing the impact of agriculture in Minnesota, and other educational materials.