The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) and the Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture (MFA) was recognized with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s New Horizon Award for its innovative rural medicine partnership, announced during the AFBF Annual Convention Jan. 11 in Anaheim.

The initiative, developed in partnership Zumbro Valley Medical Society and the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, is the first rural healthcare program of its kind within a state Farm Bureau designed to help address the shortage of healthcare providers in rural communities. The program introduces and integrates medical students to life, agriculture, and healthcare access in rural communities while building understanding, trust, and long-term interest in serving rural populations.

“Minnesota’s rural communities face real challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare,” said Dan Glessing, President of the Minnesota Farm Bureau. “This program is about building relationships between future doctors and rural communities, so care is not only available, but delivered with care and trust.”

Originally launched as a one-time experience, the program has expanded into a year-long medical school experience. Students participate in immersive, hands-on experiences that include farm and agribusiness tours, visits with rural emergency services, healthcare screenings, and in-depth discussions with farmers, physicians, and community leaders.

Programming focuses on issues critical to rural Minnesota, including farm safety and equipment injuries, mental health, addiction, rural emergency response, farm financial stress, and the importance of building trust with patients. Participating students, most without rural or farm backgrounds, are now expressing interest in practicing rural medicine. Rural Minnesotans benefit directly through healthcare screenings at farm shows and Farm Bureau events, educational outreach, and open conversations about healthcare access, affordability, and follow-up care. Feedback from these interactions continues to shape future program development.

“What makes this program unique is that it is community-informed and community-led,” said Ruth Linkenmeyer-Meirick, Director of the Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture. “Farm Bureau members help shape the content, share their lived experiences, and engage directly with students. That collaboration ensures rural voices are heard as we work toward long-term healthcare solutions.”