Publication: New Ulm Journal Author: By Fritz Busch
October 17th, 2006 - NEW ULM — Sen. Norm Coleman received the Friend of the Farmer award Monday from the Minnesota Farm Bureau.
The award is given to those who have supported Farm Bureau issues such as energy, taxes, trade, animal agriculture and regulatory issues, as shown by their voting records.
Coleman visited local leaders at the Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) corporate office in New Ulm where he received a plaque from Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap.
“Agriculture is very important to the State of Minnesota and rural economy. I appreciate all you do for it,” said Paap.
Coleman said he learned the importance of agriculture and renewable resources during his run for governor nine years ago.
Paap praised Coleman for working across party lines with Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl against politicians from California, Idaho and New Mexico on milk, dairy and other agriculture initiatives.
Mark Furth, AMPI General Manager and CEO, said he’s convinced Washington issues like federal milk marketing orders will become increasingly regional.
Waseca farmer and AMPI Board member Dale Hoffman said he’d like to see Coleman continue to educate other senators about the need for fair dairy price supports.
“Producers can’t continue to make milk at a loss. It will create a shortage,” Hoffman said.
Coleman said he would continue to keep in touch with senators on both sides of the aisle.
Furth added that he and Coleman will find a way to accomplish that bipartisan goal.
Coleman said he’s been to Brazil and seen the dairy market in that country.
“If we lose the edge, we lose a lot. It’s important we get the right kind of trade agreement. We’ve all got a share a little bit of the success,” Coleman added.
He later talked about the need to promote renewable fuels. Coleman said a Georgia senator recently asked him what a flex-fuel engine (capable of using E85 and regular fuel) was.
The entourage toured the New Ulm AMPI butter plant before it left town Monday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, Coleman met with local leaders at the Farmers Union Marketing & Processing Association in Redwood Falls.
On Monday night, Coleman, House Speaker Steve Sviggum and former U.S. Sen. Rudy Boschwitz campaigned in Olivia for candidate Scott Vanbinsbergen, who is running against DFLer Lyle Koenen for the Minnesota District 20B seat.