Steele County Fair KDHL Ag Ambassador of the Year

The Steele County Free Fair and KDHL Radio Southern Minnesota AG Ambassador of the Year along with two other Finalists were recognized on Saturday evening in the SCFF Livestock Show arena. The award was began about 20 years ago, in order to give recognition and to thank those that are promoting and telling the story of agriculture in their communities. The SCFF is a large regional fair and KDHL a regional Farm Station which has made it a perfect partnership.

Bruce Peterson far left From Northfield was named the SCFF KDHL Radio Southern Minnesota Ag Ambassador of the year. Bruce is the past President of the Minnesota Corn Growers, current board member on the government relations team, National Board Chair of the Feed, Food and Industrial Action Team (FFIAT) with the goal of finding new uses for corn, Minnesota Corn Growers representative on the AGREET Team which serves as a panel to interview and hire researchers at the University of Minnesota. Bruce is a volunteer for the Minnesota Pork Producers, American Dairy Association, Minnesota Soybean and FFA Alumni Association. Bruce and his family routinely host groups at their farm, students from grade school to college, Japanese and Chinese business, Chamber of Commerce, Legislators and even Miss America.

The two other Finalists were also honored at the SCFF Southern Minnesota Ag Ambassador of the Year Program. The first was a couple, Jerry and Lori Beckel from  Le Sueur County. They have been a team for many decades involved in the Le Sueur County Farm Bureau, Minnesota Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau for over 35 years, Ag in the Classroom, Farm Safety Camps, Le Sueur and Blue Earth Farm Bureau Breakfast on the Farm where more than 2,000 people are served breakfast and learn about agriculture. They are big supporters of 4-H and Jerry is a charter member of the TCU Area FFA Alumni Association.

The other Finalist was John Zimmerman from Dennison. John is involved in a multi generation farm and a turkey producer.  Remember, Minnesota ranks number one in the United States in Turkey Production. John is a past President of the Minnesota Turkey Growers and also worked with the National Turkey Growers. John has taken many trips to Washington D.C representing Minnesota and the United States turkey industry. John was just in Washington D.C talking with Legislators about which agency should regulate meat grown in a lab, the FDA or the USDA. John is very involved in many community and church organizations and activities.