Farm Horizons, June 2019

Carlson named president of SFA

Bringing expertise in regional food system development and a track record of innovative achievements, Connie Carlson was recently elected president of the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota.

Carlson, co-director of Statewide Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems with the University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, learned from a young age the value of family farming and sustainable agriculture. Her family farm in western Minnesota, A Frame, has been a standard-bearer in the Upper Midwest for embracing the values of land and water protection, while also operating as a profitable business.

“Agriculture is facing incredible challenges today, but I see this as a time for great courage, generosity, and creativity,” she said. “I see an opportunity for the range of voices and experiences – from the farmer in the field to the parent in the grocery aisle – to collaborate, support, and create the agriculture landscape we envision for our future and our children’s future. I’ve rolled up my sleeves and am ready to bring my experiences and expertise to this work. I look forward to meeting and working with the many people throughout Minnesota who have also rolled up their sleeves and are ready to work together.”

Connie and her husband, Eric, live in Buffalo with children, Madeline (17), Ingrid (14), and Leif (11).

In addition to Carlson, the board elected an officer slate of Joe Gans, Aitkin, vice president; Katie Myhre, St. Paul, secretary; and Chris Kudrna, St. Cloud, treasurer.

SFA also seated several new board members for 2019: Yvonne Baller, Ogilvie; John Beaton, Saginaw; Scott Haase, Blue Earth; Claire LaCanne, Faribault; Josh and Randi Streblow, Granite Falls; and Tony Wells, Faribault.

“I’m impressed with how seriously these board members take their SFA responsibilities,” said SFA Executive Director Theresa Keaveny. “They work hard and tackle major projects and challenges without complaint, even during tough spring planting seasons. I’ve also appreciated the board’s good humor and thoughtfulness as we chart our course for the future and forge strategic partnerships.”

Other SFA board members include Paul Berglund, Rochester; Jim Chamberlin, Deerwood; Chris Gamer, Faribault; Noelle Harden, Moorhead; Mary Jane Miller, Dayton; Liz Morris Otto, Delano; and Dale Woodbeck, Excelsior.

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