By Dave Frederickson

As Minnesota moves into a new year and a new governor’s term, it is my honor and privilege to take on the duties of Minnesota’s Agriculture Commissioner. 

I want to thank Governor Mark Dayton for giving me the opportunity to serve Minnesota in this way, and I want to thank my predecessor, Gene Hugoson, for his service on behalf of Minnesota farmers and ranchers.  I will continue the tradition of sending out a regular column to help readers follow the activities and priorities of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

First, let me give you a bit of my background.  I am originally from Murdock, Minnesota, where my family’s farming roots go back to 1873.  My wife, Kay, and I farmed for more than 20 years in Swift County.  After starting my career as a public school teacher, I have worked on agricultural policy issues at the state and federal level for decades.  One of my career highlights was to serve in the Minnesota State Senate from 1987 to 1992. 

Following my time as a legislator, I served as president of the Minnesota Farmers Union and later as president of the National Farmers Union.  I thoroughly enjoyed these positions because they gave me a chance to meet farmers and ranchers around the state and country and hear about the issues that mattered to them.  This face-to-face interaction continued in my most recent work as agricultural outreach director for Senator Amy Klobuchar. 

While anyone stepping into the position of agency commissioner will have much to learn, I am fortunate to have several things working in my favor.  For one, I have followed the activities and evolution of the MDA for years, and I know of its excellent record in providing day-to-day service to the public.  I have been especially impressed with the department’s commitment to carrying out its core mission of protecting our food supply, conserving our resources and strengthening our agricultural economy.  I am confident this agency and those who work for it will continue to provide the highest-quality service to our citizens. 

Another favorable factor is the character of Minnesota’s agricultural community.  Sure, our diverse set of farm groups and agricultural leaders will have different views on policies and priorities from time to time, but at the end of the day most of us are still able to shake hands and find common ground.  I was honored and humbled to read the kind comments of support from many agricultural organizations when Governor Dayton announced my appointment last month.  I will honor that support by serving all our stakeholders to the best of my ability.

Despite the economic and political challenges we face, I am greatly encouraged to know that there are many people around the state and here at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture who share my commitment to serving Minnesota’s farmers and ranchers and all our fellow citizens.  I look forward to working with you.

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