MARL Program

MARL Program Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program (MARL)
MARL Mission: To develop the skills of Minnesota agricultural and rural leaders so they maximize

Each of these individuals “invest in people” and value the MARL Program experiences. It was good to Celebrate at the Fen...
05/08/2026

Each of these individuals “invest in people” and value the MARL Program experiences. It was good to Celebrate at the Fendt Lodge in Jackson with many Minnesota agriculture leaders!

Today, in Jackson, MN at the Fendt Lodge, Congressman Brad Finstad held a reception to celebrate the passing of the long awaited Farm Bill through the House of Representatives (United States). We want to thank Finstad for his work on the bill and for taking the time to meet with turkey growers, Thomas Schwarz, Loren Brey, and Jake Vlaminck, along with other agriculture leaders and professionals.

Meaningful dialogue between our elected officials and agricultural leaders is what keeps our industry moving forward. We appreciate the Congressman’s leadership and his dedication to Minnesota’s rural communities!

04/25/2026

Minn Dak Farmers Cooperative Announces President and CEO Succession Plan

The Board of Directors of Minn Dak Farmers Cooperative has completed its recently announced search for the Cooperative’s next President and Chief Executive Officer.

Following a comprehensive review of internal and external candidates and a series of interviews, the Board is pleased to announce a leadership transition plan that ensures continuity, stability, and long term success for the Cooperative.

To ensure a seamless leadership transition, Rick Kasper has agreed to continue in his role as President and CEO through August 31, 2027. On September 1, 2027, Mike Metzger will officially assume the position of President and CEO.

Mike Metzger brings more than 25 years of experience within Minn Dak Farmers Cooperative, having served in a variety of leadership and technical roles throughout his career. Since being appointed Executive Vice President, he has been responsible for overseeing day to day operations in the CEO’s absence, representing the Cooperative at industry events, and assisting in strategic planning and ex*****on. Prior to that role, he served as Vice President of Agriculture and Research and held positions in agronomy and research, working directly with growers and advancing production excellence across the Cooperative.

The Board of Directors has strong confidence in Mike’s qualifications, leadership abilities, and deep understanding of the Cooperative’s mission, operations, and grower owner focus. His extensive background in sugarbeet production, research, operations, and Cooperative leadership positions him well to lead Minn Dak Farmers Cooperative into the future.

Pictured: Rick Kasper and Mike Metzger

04/16/2026

M4L Day is April 16, 2026, SMSU President David Jones invites you to ride along by investing in people. On this “Day of Giving” support the MARL Program at Southwest Minnesota State University

Happy Easter!
04/05/2026

Happy Easter!

Hats off to cultural awareness, agricultural learning and appreciation, global cooperation coupled with personal growth....
04/01/2026

Hats off to cultural awareness, agricultural learning and appreciation, global cooperation coupled with personal growth. MARL focused on investing in people. Vietnam as our international destination and host country meets all expectations. Hats off to a rich experience.

Mekong Delta visit demonstrated the resourcefulness and work ethic of the Vietnamese people living in a free market econ...
03/30/2026

Mekong Delta visit demonstrated the resourcefulness and work ethic of the Vietnamese people living in a free market economy with a communist government.
We left realizing that many people in this SE Asian country have a strong sense of where their food comes from. And celebrate their farmers!

TIME: a precious resource. Get your application submitted now for consideration in next MARL cohort. Accepting 2 more da...
03/29/2026

TIME: a precious resource. Get your application submitted now for consideration in next MARL cohort. Accepting 2 more days.

Class 14 Application Will Be Open January 1 – March 31, 2026 MARL Application Packet MARL application packet for 2026-2028 opens January 1, 2026.

“Variety is the spice in life”- and true here in Vietnam as MARL experiences the journey.Latex-rubber, pepper spice, rab...
03/27/2026

“Variety is the spice in life”- and true here in Vietnam as MARL experiences the journey.
Latex-rubber, pepper spice, rabbit raising, fish farming, and plenty more rich experiences with the people.

If you struggle with “seeing the forest for the trees…”  Suggest the MARL program for leaders in agriculture and rural p...
03/26/2026

If you struggle with “seeing the forest for the trees…” Suggest the MARL program for leaders in agriculture and rural positions. Time is of essence. Six more days to apply for next cohort!
https://www.marlprogram.org/application/

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