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Minnesota Corn Growers Association

 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is being felt across Minnesota, affecting Greater Minnesota communities and the Twin Cities alike. Restaurants are empty, Main Street businesses are closed, and countless industries are slowed to a halt. Farmers can work business as usual, but their largest customers are not, raising stress levels throughout the ag sector.

The oft-repeated mantra “We’re in this together” is especially true for Minnesotans, as people throughout the state help their local communities. The county corn organizations that fuel the grassroots efforts of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) have answered the call to help during this challenging time.

Chippewa County Corn and Soybean Growers

The parade that the Chippewa County Corn and Soybean Growers participate in each year to promote local agriculture was cancelled, which meant they had a number of items they would no longer be handing out to people lining the parade route.

The farmers who sit on the county board made the decision to donate a pallet of bottled water to its local hospital, CCM Health, which serves many of the county’s residents. The gesture was an opportunity to make the most of an unfortunate situation and help the healthcare workers bravely serving on the front lines of the pandemic.

Murray County Corn and Soybean Growers

Due to COVID-19, Murray County Corn and Soybean board members were forced to cancel this year’s annual meeting, so they came up with a new way to thank their supporters that also gave local businesses a boost.

The farmers who sit on the board worked with local restaurants to organize a free lunch for supporters of the county organization and essential workers during COVID-19. The effort would not only show appreciation, but also support local restaurants severely impacted by Minnesota’s “stay-at-home” order.

“It really is a win-win,” Stoel said. “We can walk into a local cafe with hundreds of dollars to buy these lunches, which helps those guys out, and then bring a free lunch voucher or lunch to someone who is really under some stress and isn’t expecting it.”

Marshall County Corn and Soybean Growers

Farmers who sit on the board of the Marshall County Corn and Soybean Growers met prior to planting to identify ways they could help their community, specifically those serving on the frontlines of the pandemic and the businesses closing because of it.

Board chair Todd Bjorgaard said farmers started calling local restaurants to purchase gift cards that will provide much-needed revenue during the “Stay at Home” order. They then distributed those gift cards to essential employees, including first responders and others hard at work to keep their community safe. The county organization also made a donation to their local food bank to help stock the shelves.

Statewide Support

In addition to supporting the many efforts by county corn organizations, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) also stepped up to help families facing hunger during COVID-19.

Twin Cities radio stations Go 95.3 and Go 96.3 held a 12-hour radio telethon on April 30. Listeners could make a donation to Twin Cities food bank Second Harvest Heartland, then text their receipt to either station to have their song of choice played. MCGA sponsored an hour of the telethon and matched the amount raised during that hour, up to a pre-determined amount. MCGA board member Harold Wolle also participated in interviews throughout the hour on both stations to discuss corn farming.

 

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