Meet our newest sales agronomist
AGRONOMY
Meet Colleen Carlson , U of M Extension Educator
If you ever have questions about crops or livestock , Colleen Carlson is a good person to ask . She ’ s the University of Minnesota Extension Educator for Carver and Scott counties , which means she knows a lot about agriculture-related resources , events , and educational opportunities .
“ If I don ’ t know the answer , I try to find someone who does – or a useful resource ,” she said .
On a typical day , Colleen might be planning an upcoming program , visiting a local farm , answering phone calls , or writing news releases .
“ The best aspect of my job is that I meet new people every day engaged in agriculture , business , farming , livestock , the land , and soil ,” she noted . “ It ’ s great to help people , learn about their interests , and help improve their enterprises .”
In the communities Colleen serves , new best management practices are being adopted to conserve groundwater and soil , with the introduction of cover crops , buffer strips , and improved fertilizer recommendations .
“ Carver County is filled with opportunity in
A ‘ dairy ’ good time in Carver County
A calf from Carver County ’ s Facebook page .
The Carver County ADA ( American Dairy Association ) finds plenty of reasons to celebrate throughout the year . Like the time their Facebook page displayed a springy cow photo Jan . 11 in honor of National Milk Day , or when they showed a gooey cheese pizza Feb . 9 for National Pizza Day . emerging agriculture enterprises ; the wine industry , vegetable farming , high tunnels , and orchards are growing to contribute to the diversification of the ag economy while connecting community and local food resources ,” she noted .
One emerging area of development is ag tourism . Colleen commented that Carver County can provide a memorable experience for visitors , with its rich ag landscape , parks , trails , lakes , cultural events , and other offerings .
Throughout the year , Colleen looks forward to events where the community gathers , such as the Carver County Fair , the Carver County Dairy Expo , farmer-to-farmer tours , and other education workshops .
“ It ’ s like having several great-big family reunions throughout the year where people can visit , laugh , and have fun while learning something new and sharing a common interest ,” she said .
To learn more about upcoming programs in the area , go to the University of Minnesota Carver County Extension Office website , follow UMN Extension Carver and Scott counties on Facebook , or sign up for the Carver / Scott ag news by sending Colleen an email at traxl042 @ umn . edu .
“ Dairy promotion is our goal ,” said Steve Hoen , who recently completed his term as chair of the Carver County ADA .
One of the major ways the organization promotes dairy is through the Carver County Dairy Princess program . The 2018-19 princesses will be crowned Saturday , April 7 during the annual dairy banquet at the Mayer Community Center . Throughout their reign , princesses attend several parades and make appearances to help raise awareness of the dairy industry and dairy products .
“ The fair is another big time of year – running the dairy booth ,” Steve said . Known as the “ five best days of summer ,” the Carver County Fair attracts thousands of people to Waconia every August .
In addition to Steve , other members of the Carver County ADA ( as of Feb . 13 ) included Mark Hesse , Todd Manteuffel , Rick Haler , Jodene Stuewe , Jackie Hesse , Cole Thaemert , and Dan Stuewe . Steve said the best part of his six years of service has been getting to know the other board members and their families .
Steve grew up in Bongards ( near Cologne and Norwood Young America ), and took over the family property full-time in 2004 . He and his wife , Michelle , have three children – Jacob , 10 ; Libby , 8 ; and Zander , 4 .
To reach the Carver County ADA , email carver . ada @ gmail . com , or send the board a message via Facebook .
Steve Hoen and his family .
Meet our newest sales agronomist
Amanda Steffel joined Mid-County Coop as a sales agronomist Jan . 29 , and she ’ s having a great time so far . “ My job is very diverse ,” she said . “ The best part is meeting farmers and their families , and learning about their operations .”
Amanda grew up in Olivia , and graduated from BOLD High School ( Bird Island , Olivia , Lake Lillian District ) in 2008 . She then earned a two-year degree in crop production sales and technology from North Dakota State College of Science ( NDSCS ) in Wahpeton , ND .
For Amanda , pursuing an agriculture-related career was a natural fit . Her mom works with farmers as a geographic information systems ( GIS ) specialist in Renville , and her dad owns a butcher shop . Amanda also has many friends who farm .
“ I ’ ve been around agriculture my whole life ,” she said .
Amanda gained experience in her field through three internships – one at Centrol Crop Consulting in Marshall ( Amanda was based in Willmar ), one at KTM Farm in North Dakota , and one at CHS Prairie Lakes in Park Rapids .
Before coming to Mid-County , Amanda was employed as a fulltime sales agronomist in North Dakota . Now , she ’ s looking forward to building relationships with Mid- County ’ s customers and seeing how she can help them .
Amanda is glad to be living closer to family again , and enjoys spending free time with her two siblings and other friends and family members . She can also be found hunting , fishing , four-wheeling , and horseback riding . Although Amanda doesn ’ t have a horse of her own , it ’ s on her list to buy “ one day .” Another thing she ’ d like to buy is a house , and she ’ s currently searching for the right one .
To reach Amanda , contact Mid- County Agronomy at ( 952 ) 466-
3730 .
www . midcountycoop . com Page 5