Team Players

MARL Class VI Alumni Rick Smith and Gail Donkers gave a very interesting presentation complete with pictures and personal stories regarding their MARL International Study Trip to Morocco to the SE Minnesota Ag Alliance on May 21. MARL Alumni Jim O'Connor and Carey Tweten, MARL Board of Director Jim Checkel, MARL Executive Director Dan Hoffman and past UM Extension educator and MARL presenter Madge Alberts were also in attendance. The group had some great questions.

Kristin Harner and her staff from the MN Farm Bureau were great hosts to the MARL Board of Directors for their May 23 board meeting at the MN Farm Bureau offices in Eagan. It was at this meeting that MARL Class VI Representatives Kirby Hettver and Jane Wilcox-Hardwick joined the board for the first time. Kirby and Jane each contributed to the meeting and were able to share their current and relevant MARL experiences with the board.

May 24 was the special day for recognizing the 2012 Siehl Prize for Excellence in Agriculture award recipients at the UM McNamara Alumni Center. MARL Board Chair, Sandy Ludeman was a recipient of the cherished prize in 2011. Ludeman stated that MARL has some very acomplished alumni that should be nominated for the Siehl Prize in the future. For more information go to:
www.cfans.umn.edu/siehlprize/

Kyle Petersen, Harmon Wilts, Jim Sieben, Kirby Hettver, Roger Imdieke, Stan Claussen, Dan Lippert and Dan Hoffman met at the MinnWest Technology Campus in Willmar on May 29. The purpose of the meeting was to assemble a plan of action for an educational and inspiring MARL Alumni function revolving aound tours, technology and collaboration in the Wilmar area. Mark September 7 and 8, 2012 on your calendars, because you will not want to miss this upcoming event.

MinnWest Technology Campus in Willmar    www.mnwesttechnology.com/purpose.php

Stan Claussen introduced Dan Hoffman to MARL funding partner United FCS personnel. On the return to Southern Minnesota, Hoffman met with staff at MARL funding partner Southwest Initiative Fund (SWIF)staff in Hutchinson.

Thanks to all for being great team players.