AgriGrowth: Advocating for Minnesota's Ag & Food Sector

We serve as a convener, advocate and thought leader by creating common ground solutions that move the food and agriculture industry forward.

Mission and Purpose

The Minnesota AgriGrowth Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan member organization representing the agriculture and food industry.  Formed in 1968, AgriGrowth’s strategic approach to public policy advocacy, issue management and collaboration seeks to foster long-term sustainability, competitiveness and business growth.

AgriGrowth serves as a convener and trusted information source, bringing together its members to address critical challenges and provide solution-oriented outcomes.  AgriGrowth’s industry-wide perspective is essential in a state where the agriculture and food sector is the second largest economic driver.

Members

  • Over 150 companies, organizations and individuals
  • For a current list, visit our Members page



Strategic Priorities

  • Advocating for a positive climate for Minnesota’s food & agriculture industry
  • Building awareness, trust and support for our sector with key influencer audiences
  • Serving as a convener and thought leader on issues relevant to the future growth and prosperity of our sector

Structure

  • Nonprofit, nonpartisan, member-based association
  • Elected board of directors

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Sheryl Meshke
Board Chair
President and CEO, Associated Milk Producers, Inc.
Jake Hamlin
Vice Chair
Director, State Government Affairs, CHS, Inc.
Don Wick
Secretary
Farm Broadcaster and Partner, Red River Farm Network
Greg Howard
Treasurer
Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer, Christensen Farms

Board Members

Alan Poff
Alan Poff
Vice President, Government & Community Affairs, Schwan's
Beth Sparboe Schnell
Beth Sparboe Schnell
CEO, Sparboe Companies
Blake Holden
Blake Holden
President, Holden Farms, Inc.
Brian Buhr, Ph.D.
Brian Buhr, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, University of Minnesota
Chris Cook
Chris Cook
Head of Enogen, Syngenta
Chuck Tryon
Chuck Tryon
President, Bushel Boy Farms
Geraint Powell
Geraint Powell
Division General Counsel, Rosen's Diversified
Hillary Myers
Hillary Myers
Regional Sales Leader, Ag Supply Chain, Cargill
Howard Olson
Howard Olson
SVP Government and Public Affairs, AgCountry Credit Farm Services
Jaime Goehner
Jaime Goehner
General Manager, ADM
Jeff Grev
Jeff Grev
Vice President, Legislative Affairs, Hormel Foods Corporation
Jim Roberge
Jim Roberge
Chief Diversified Markets Officer, Compeer Financial
Kurt Wickstrom
Kurt Wickstrom
President & CEO, Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative
Mark Davis
Mark Davis
CEO, Davis Family Dairies
Matt Wohlman
Matt Wohlman
Senior Director of State and Industry Affairs, Land O'Lakes
Michael Yost
Michael Yost
Owner, Yost Farm
Mike Berthoud
Mike Berthoud
Vice President Dairy Farm and Biofuels, Ecolab
Pat Lunemann profile image
Pat Lunemann
Partner and General Manager, Twin Eagle Dairy
Robert Orsten
Robert Orsten
Co-Owner, CFO, Orsten Turkeys, Inc.
Thom Petersen
Thom Petersen
Commissioner, Minnesota Department Of Agriculture
Tom Rabaey
Tom Rabaey
Senior Manager, General Mills

Staff

Tamara Nelsen
Tamara Nelsen
Executive Director
651-905-8901
Nikki Deyle
Nikki Deyle
Director of Strategic Engagement
651-905-8901
Cory Bennett profile image
Cory Bennett
Lobbyist
612-269-4320
Dana Ellis profile image
Dana Ellis
Event Manager, Ellis International
763-537-6977
Chelsea Thompson
Chelsea Thompson
Communications
651-485-0050
Kirsten Kukowski
Kirsten Kukowski
Communications
608-335-8785

Get In Touch

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