The Minnesota Corn Growers Association has added regional staff to work with farmers in southeast and west-central regions of the state.

Carrie Christenson and Heidie Sloot are new MCGA district field mangers. Both are responsible for growing the involvement of corn farmers in leadership and advocacy efforts related to topics important to the state’s corn industry.

Carrie Christenson

Christenson works with farmers in the southeast region of Minnesota, including Blue Earth, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue/North Wabasha, Mower, Olmsted/South Wabasha, Steele, Waseca and Winona counties.

Sloot will represent counties in west-central Minnesota, including Chippewa, Douglas, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Otter Tail/Grant, Pope, Renville, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd and Traverse.

“Both Carrie and Heidie will have a full-time presence in their areas, which will be crucial in our work to engage Minnesota corn growers throughout the state,” said Adam Birr, MCGA executive director. “Through their efforts, we look forward to growing as a united group and elevating the interests of corn farmers.”

In addition, the district field managers will work to increase understanding of and support for the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council, which directs the responsible management of Minnesota’s corn checkoff.

Heidie Sloot

Christenson came to MCGA from Land O’ Lakes, where she partnered with member cooperatives in North Dakota, Montana and the Pacific Northwest as a business recruiter. Prior to that, she was a sales agronomist with Central Valley Cooperative. Christenson grew up on a small hobby farm in Waseca County.

Sloot recently graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a degree in agricultural education. While a student, she worked with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in its Minnesota Grown Program. Sloot grew up in Sibley County on a hog and crop farm, which her family continues to operate.

MCGA has nearly 7,000 members and represents the interests of more than 24,000 corn farmers throughout Minnesota.

Source: MCGA