December 2011 Highlights « Back

I am pleased to inform you that Barb Luehmann, whom many of you know, will be more involved with Industry Relations at Midwest Dairy in 2012.  Barb has been with Midwest Dairy Association for more than 30 years and is very knowledgeable regarding the programs that are executed both regionally and nationally.  Many of you will see Barb at your local District Meetings this winter.  All dairy producers will receive a listing of the meetings in an oversized postcard mailed after the holidays. Also, the Dairy Star will have the schedule posted in the December 24, January 14, and February 11 publications. You can also visit midwestdairycheckoff.com now to see your meeting date.  Remember that with the exception of an election, you may attend any of the locations that suit your schedule.

Fuel Up to Play 60 in Minnesota

Our activity in schools with Fuel Up to Play 60 and the football season is in full swing.  The Health and Wellness team approved seven of 13 applications for the last round of school funding, providing $22,470 to schools including Anoka-Hennepin, Burnsville, Hopkins, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, Minneapolis, West St. Paul and a private school in St Paul.

Late last month, your Health and Wellness team hosted nine key influencers from schools in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota at a pre-game box lunch reception on the plaza at Mall of America Field. Key influencers were recognized for activating Fuel Up to Play 60 programs in their schools in a significant way. Special guests included Midwest Dairy board member Kristine Spadgenske, Princess Kay and Vikings alumni player Matt Blair #59, who all reinforced the importance of dairy, healthy eating and daily activity for the well-being of youth. Guests were treated to a photo opportunity with Viktor and a trivia contest to win signed Chad Greenway merchandise. After lunch, guests attended the Raiders game.

Midwest Dairy and the Minnesota Vikings also highlighted the contributions of Fuel Up to Play 60 student leaders in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota with a featured on-field appearance, prior to the Vikings vs. Broncos “Play 60” game. These students, along with CEO Mike Kruger and Minnesota Division Board chairman Ken Herbranson, received recognition for supporting Fuel Up to Play 60 in Minnesota schools. The appearance was featured on the Jumbotron with a voice-over announcement during the game. Video clips of the event and student ambassador testimonials were captured in a professional video about Fuel Up to Play 60 in Minnesota.

This fall, the Vikings mascot, Viktor, has taken our joint “Fuel Up to Play 60 with Viktor” school assembly program to 12 Minnesota schools. His stops have included Rochester, Detroit Lakes, Coon Rapids, West St. Paul and Northfield.  Schools qualify to receive the assembly by activating the Fuel Up to Play 60 program.

Bridgewater Elementary School in Northfield was awarded an NFL player visit for its winning submission in the Back to Football Student Challenge.  The visit will happen in February. 

Other Minnesota Updates

Winners have been named in the most recent Farmers Feed US sweepstakes, the third phase of this multi-commodity effort to help consumers understand farmers and food production.  Gail Olson of Blaine won “free groceries for a year,” a $5,000 value, and two first prize winners --Crystal Nelson of Renville, Minn., and Miyuki Watson of Shoreview, Minn., each won $1,000 in free groceries. Winners were drawn at random from almost 50,000 entries made during visits to www.farmersfeedus.org, where they watched videos of farm families including three dairy producers.  The initial prize presentation occurred Thanksgiving week at an on-farm ceremony near Renville, where Crystal Nelson met local farmer Eric Watson and his family, and was presented with her $1,000 grocery prize. The additional winners will receive their prizes at an upcoming presentation in the Twin Cities.