Ididn’t grow up farming, so when I was first appointed to chair the Minnesota Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, I made it a point to meet and visit as many Minnesota farmers and producers as I could. Not at my office, but at theirs.

This summer, we visited our 100th farm.

I would’ve thought that visiting 100 farmers meant learning about 100 farms. Turns out, I learned much, much more.

I must thank the farmers who hosted us for your generosity, sharing your homes, your pride in your work, and the food. There was often food. And it was delicious.

Through these farm visits, I’ve met a lot of wonderful people, learned a great deal about the state of agriculture in Minnesota, and seen firsthand the strengths that define us and the challenges we face. One thing is clear:

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