STATE OF MINNESOTA THIRD MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EIGHTY-FOURTH SESSION
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Representative Greg Davids, Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, called the third meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2005, in the Basement Hearing Room of the State Office Building.
The Clerk noted the roll.
Members present:
DAVIDS, Greg, Chair KOENEN, Lyle
BLAINE, Greg, Vice Chair MAGNUS, Doug
FINSTAD, Brad MOE, Frank
HAMILTON, Rod OTREMBA, Mary Ellen
HEIDGERKEN, Bud PENAS, Maxine
JOHNSON, Ruth URDAHL, Dean
JUHNKE, Al WELTI, Andy
Members excused:
A quorum was present.
Chair Davids welcomed the audience and provided a brief overview of the agenda for today.
Rep. Welti moved approval of the minutes: Tuesday, January 25, 2005. The motion prevailed.
Overview of the Producer Associations’ Legislative Priorities was provided by:
Thom Peterson, MN Farmers Union
Daryn McBeth, Executive Director, Agri-Growth Council
Cory Bennett, Lobbyist, Capitol Hill Associates
Rep. Juhnke inquired on the annual tours sponsored by the Agri-Growth Council and hoped the Committee would have the opportunity to participate this summer.
Jerry Schoenfeld, MN Pork Producers
Larry Liepold, President, MN Pork Producers
Jerry Schoenfeld, MN Soybean Growers Association
Ron Jacobson, President, MN Soybean Growers Association
Jerry Schoenfeld, MN Federation of County Fairs
Elmer Reisling, District 1 Director, Steele County, MN Federation of County Fairs
Mr. Schoenfeld noted in working with House Counsel, Sam Rankin, on legislation, they found the original legislation/statute for the MN Agricultural Society written back in 1860.
Continued testimony:
Jerry Schoenfeld, MN Assoc of Ag Educators and Farm Business Mgmt Instructors
"Management Education Programs" powerpoint presentation was provided by:
Del Lecy, MN Assoc of Ag Educators and Farm Business Mgmt Instructors
Tom Appel, MN Assoc of Ag Educators and Farm Business Mgmt Instructors
Bob Zelenka, Executive Director, MN Grain and Feed Association
Jerry Seck, MN Ethanol Coalition
Rod Jorgenson, Farmer, Kasson, MN, President, MN Ethanol Coalition
Gene Sandager, Farmer, Hills, MN, President, MN Corn Growers Association
Steve Ladlie, MN Ethanol Producers Association
Marc Knisely, CEO/President, Farm Credit Services of MN Valley
Greg Jans, Farmer, Grove City, MN, Board Member
The meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
Rep. Greg Davids, CHAIR
Denise Berger
Committee Legislative Assistant