GreenSeam representatives describe regional ag‑education and talent work; offer school and industry partnerships
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Summary
GreenSeam testified about work to build an ag-tech and ag-business talent pipeline, support entrepreneurship, and partner with schools and colleges; Mankato-area educators and students described benefits of local support for an FFA program.
GreenSeam representatives presented the organization’s regional economic-development work to connect education, employers and agribusiness.
Sam Ziegler, GreenSeam president, said the nonprofit focuses on economic development across the ag value chain and highlighted talent-development projects, entrepreneurship workshops and a fifth State of Ag Report due March 18. Wesley Beck, GreenSeam board chair, emphasized partnerships among industry, higher education and state agencies and described a 5-to-1 private-to-public funding match for GreenSeam activities.
Mankato-area agriculture teacher Robin Tid described GreenSeam’s role in reintroducing ag education and an FFA chapter in the district, helping with advisory boards, fundraising and hands-on supports such as greenhouse troubleshooting. Two Mankato FFA students spoke about skills and opportunities they gained through the program and FFA activities.
Presenters asked for continued support for regional talent and education partnerships; no immediate committee action was taken.