LeadAg Institute

Brianne grew up on a small cow/calf operation in Kansas, where she started her own registered Hereford herd at the age of 12. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, she started working for Cargill, eventually taking a role in Madison. Currently, she works at United Prairie Bank. She enjoys helping in the community and staying active in the agriculture community, also serving as secretary on the Midwest Cattlemen’s Board. Growing up, her family was involved with Kansas Farm Bureau, and she was active in collegiate Farm Bureau and the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program while at Oklahoma State. She now serves assecretary for the Lac Qui Parle County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

“I believe rural Minnesota has a lot of value and knowledge to bring to state and national leadership, and I joined this program to gain the tools and knowledge to help local community members feel encouraged to bring their stories forward and be leaders for agriculture.”

Jessie grew up on a dairy farm where she showed dairy cattle and was active in both FFA and 4-H. She is now an agriculture educator and has been sharing her passion for agriculture and FFA in the classroom for 13 years. Outside of the classroom, Bester became active in Farm Bureau to connect more resources to her classroom. This led to her involvement on the Dakota County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, state Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee including serving as chair, and participating in several advocacy programs including visits to the state Capitol and Washington, D.C.  

“As an agriculture educator I want to be able to show my students the importance of getting involved in all avenues of agriculture. They don’t need to want to be a farmer to be a part of, or advocate for, agriculture."

Traci is an agricultural educator in McLeod County where she teaches cross-curricular courses that connect agriculture, literacy, science and community engagement. She also owns and operates Farmacy, LLC, a farm-to-table business focused on local food, agriculture literacy and community connection. She is passionate about strengthening relationships between consumers and agriculturists and helping people understand where their food comes from and why agriculture matters.

“I wanted to participate in the LeadAg Institute to grow as a leader and better understand how agriculture policy and advocacy connect to the work I do every day. Agriculture touches education, food systems, and communities in powerful ways, and I want to be part of shaping conversations that support farmers, families, and the future of agriculture in Minnesota.”

Joshua grew up on a small livestock farm in Mora. He has a club lamb farm operation that he uses to lease animals to younger 4-H participants who are interested in showing sheep or learning more about the industry. He currently works at a local feed mill and a steel custom fabrication shop in Mora.

“Participating in the LeadAg Institute will give me the opportunity to grow as a leader and build valuable connections within the agriculture industry.”