“Dinner with a Farmer”

Under the shade of trees on a pleasant spring evening, people sat, ate food and talked. But this picnic was different than the average picnic with its aim of educating the Dodge County community. 
The Dodge County Farm Bureau hosted “Dinner with a Farmer” Veterans Memorial Park in Kasson on June 16. In order to educate people about modern agricultural practices, the event gave the public an opportunity to speak with farmers. 
“The idea behind this is that ag has caught a lot of bad publicity lately,” State Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee member Pete Henslin said.
Henslin believes that the opportunity for the public to learn about farming practices from farmers is a way to combat any negative perception the public may have about farming. 
Plus, Henslin mentioned that the average person is three generations removed from a farm. With that degree of separation, the average person is unaware of advances in agricultural technology. This is just another reason why it is advantageous for members of the public to have the opportunity to talk to farmers about how they farm in this day and age. 
Some of the younger participants in the event, such as Triton FFA Member Martha Moening, agreed about the importance of exposing people to agricultural practices. 
“Even though we’re in rural Minnesota, people don’t always have the opportunity to see animals,” Moening said. 
Moening brought her market lamb to the event for people to see and learn about. Children and adults walked up to pet the lamb and ask questions. 
Many in the local farming community were present to educate the public. Amy Sauder and her children Amanda, Ellie and Josie brought animals to the event as well. Amanda sat with a cardboard box filled with black kittens, a big draw for many of the younger picnic attendees. Ellie brought a rabbit that she answered questions about throughout the event. 
There were also several interactive events for children. Kasson-Mantorville alumni