We had a wonderful Friday morning learning from 3rd generation farmers, Peter and Jay Bakken, Peter's son Eli and Peter's fiancé Ann Marie Ward. Ann Marie is the Executive Director of Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom.

Peter and Jay shared about the daily operation of a 2700 head cattle farm as well as the 1200 acre crop farm. Technology has played a big role on how the Bakken's have advanced their farm to be more efficient. Jay spoke to the business side of farming with balance sheets, cost of production and break-even points and Peter shared the science side with new innovations to help with grafting calves. We heard about regulations and policies made at the state and national level and the importance of having contact with legislatores. Ann Marie shared with the group the landscape of agriculture throughout the state of Minnesota along with the vast career opportunities. Here's a fun fact: Minnesota is the Top 10 states producing turkeys, sugarbeets, oats, wild rice and Red kidney beans. Minnesota is rated 5th in the nation for total ag and crop production. Thank you Blac-X-Farms for hosting a visit with SWMN CEO!