Crop and livestock producers can play an important role in promoting and defining the future of agricultural retention in their respective counties. Crop and livestock producers can also be proponents of agricultural industry development and re-development, locally and on a statewide basis. While each county functions differently in regards to agricultural promotion and development, the following concepts can be considered to encourage crop and livestock producers to become involved at the local level. Get involved with producer groups.Being involved with crop and livestock producer groups will help you stay informed about a variety of agricultural issues at the local, state and federal levels. When your producer group has events, be sure to get involved. For a listing of crop and livestock producer groups, please visit the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council. Get involved with local government. Most counties have various opportunities for crop and livestock producers to get involved with local government. For example, some counties implement ordinance review committees when ordinance revisions are being developed. Other opportunities for involvement may include participation on your: - Local Planning Commission
- Board of Adjustment
- Feedlot Review Committee
- Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan Advisory Committee
Being involved at the local level will allow you to keep informed about agricultural issues and will give you a voice for the future and vision of agriculture in your county.
Join or start an agricultural advisory committee. A committee such as this can be developed to provide guidance to local policy makers regarding crop, livestock, feedlot and related agricultural issues. Generally, these types of committees are comprised of crop and livestock producers and individuals that represent various sectors within the agricultural community. Counties that have an agricultural advisory committee include Kandiyohi, Ottertail and Stearns Counties.
Local chambers of commerce can be a valuable asset to crop and livestock producers. Agricultural production is an important and large part of local economic engines. Being involved in your local chamber will provide opportunities for your voice to be heard as a business owner – one that contributes to the economic well being of your county and city.
Become involved with your local or regional economic development commission, initiative foundation and Resource Conservation and Development (RC & D) area. A number of opportunities exist through these types of organizations for you to become involved with local and regional economic development issues that focus on a variety of issues related to: - Renewable Energy
- Agriculture
- Natural Resources and Water Quality
- Job Creation and Retention
- Rural Health Care
- Labor Force Issues
Visit the following websites for more information about their organizations and how to become involved with them:
Get involved with your Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Being involved on an SWCD board is beneficial and can be a valuable and rewarding experience. Also, participation on local Farm Service Agency boards and Local Work Groups organized by the Natural Resources Conservation Service at the local level can provide you with direct insight into federal farm programs and conservation priorities. An SWCD can provide cost-share and technical assistance to crop and livestock producers for implementing a wide variety of conservation practices. More information about SWCDs in Minnesota.
Get to know your local County Feedlot Officer (CFO). The CFOs across the state are organized via the Minnesota Association of County Feedlot Officers. Currently there are 55 counties that are delegated to administer the state feedlot program. CFOs provide direct assistance to livestock producers in regards to feedlot permits and feedlot re-registration.
Obtaining feedlot permits and re-registering your livestock operation is important. You can keep abreast of current rules and regulations by visiting with your CFO. Also, if you are a dairy, beef or pork producer, environmental quality assurance programs are in place to promote compliance with state feedlot rules. More information about the county feedlot program. | 
