The relaxing atmosphere of a farm visit helped set the stage for USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue’s first official stop in Minnesota.

Kevin Paap and his family hosted an invitation-only event at their farm Aug. 4. The weather was beautiful — sunny and not humid. The ag community gathered included farm and agribusiness leaders as well as ag media.

When Perdue arrived, he was warmly greeted by Paap, who also is president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, and his wife, Julie, and state FFA leaders. We saw the grandpa side of 70-year-old Perdue instinctively kick in as he met the students. There was gentle praise and teasing, as well as a big hug for the only FFA male there.

As the 130-some guests settled into their seats for the question-and-answer session, Perdue explained that he came to listen and gather input for the upcoming farm bill. Nearly all segments of Minnesota’s agriculture businesses had the opportunity during and after the meeting to approach the secretary with their comments and questions. Perdue also made time for numerous photographs after the meeting, including a selfie with one person — and a photo with the two boys who worked as parking attendants.

As I took notes on the meeting, Perdue shared a story about his confirmation hearing as ag secretary. At one point, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), well-known for his regional dairy leadership, asked a pointed question of Perdue: What do you know about dairy farming?

To which Perdue said he replied: “I know I can still taste that slimy Holstein tail across my mouth.”

That concluded the questioning from the senator from Vermont.

And that’s when Perdue "had me." He’s like me, a former dairy farm kid who relishes all memories from those childhood days of working with animals in all kinds of weather.

I think a lot of farmers, not just in Minnesota but across the U.S., feel that connect with Perdue. He has farming in his blood. He also has government experience, working as a Georgia state senator and then later as the state’s governor. He also has a veterinarian degree and served in the U.S. Air Force.

Another interesting fact I learned about Perdue is that he has served in both major U.S. political parties. He began his career as state senator as a Democrat, and then became a Republican for his final term before getting elected as governor.

We later heard from Paap that Perdue was impressed at the meeting with the turnout of organizations and businesses that are involved in Minnesota agriculture. Paap also noted that Minnesota shows how agriculture works together.

That’s how it should be — working together to get the job done.