Karin Schaefer has been named Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation’s executive director and will manage and coordinate all activities of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation and affiliated companies effective June 1.

For the past eight years, Schaefer has served as the executive director of the Minnesota Beef Council. Prior to that, she worked for six years for MFBF as the public relations associate director and with Young Farmers & Ranchers and Promotion & Education committees.

Schaefer and her husband, Matt, are active members in the Wright County Farm Bureau.

“Karin’s vision, background and understanding of the issues facing agriculture and Farm Bureau will enable her to immediately step into the role of executive director” says Kevin Paap, MFBF president. “She is the perfect fit to help Minnesota Farm Bureau accomplish its mission to be an advocate for agriculture, driven by the beliefs and policies of our members.”

Schaefer and her family farm near Howard Lake, raising beef cattle and growing crops. The Schaefers also own and operate an agricultural and commercial fencing company, Grassland Solutions.

Schaefer has a Bachelor of Science degree in speech communications and mass communication with a minor in general agriculture from North Dakota State University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Crown College.

Her work experience includes jobs working for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in public relations and soil conservation. Schaefer is an active 4-H adult volunteer, active in her church and involved in the school PTA. The Schaefers have three children.

“I am thrilled to be stepping back into the Farm Bureau organization,” Schaefer says. “My previous work experience with the Minnesota Farm Bureau and my role at the Minnesota Beef Council has provided great examples of how to effectively lead a team, while serving as a conduit between a board of directors and the organization’s staff and members.

“Agriculture is in the midst of extremely challenging times. Farm Bureau needs to be ready to assist our members and navigate this unique situation. I look forward to that opportunity.”

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