ST. PAUL – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) honored Rice County Farmers Union President Tessa Sadae Parks with a Rising Star award and KDHL Farm Director Jerry Groskreutz as Agriculture Communicator of the Year during a Nov. 23 awards program.

Parks actively advocates for beginning farmers and land access at the state and federal level. She is a first-generation, half Japanese Filipino farmer who co-owns and operates a beef and certified organic hay operation with their spouse Wyatt on 100 percent rented ground in the Northfield area.

“I’m honored to be receiving this award,” Parks said. “Previous recipients of this award have been my role models since joining Minnesota Farmers Union. And it is through the knowledge sharing happening among members as well as their presence, participation and resilience that has helped me grow and be able to do this work.”

Groskreutz has been the voice of farm programming on KDHL Radio for nearly three decades. He is a trusted resource for the agricultural community and a teacher for people in the greater community. Each year, he visits elementary students in Faribault to talk about the many products made from commodities grown in southern Minnesota.

“It was an honor to receive the award,” Groskreutz said. “It is always so much fun to attend the convention and see and talk to MFU members I have known for years.”

“I am honored to recognize Tessa and Jerry,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “Tessa is a Rising Star in Farmers Union. She not only leads the Rice County organization; she also has testified in front of the Senate Agriculture Committee and leads our state policy committee. Jerry is an asset for all of agriculture in southern Minnesota. He shares information in an unbiased way and always has a story to tell to put people at ease. Congratulations and thank you Jerry and Tessa.”

The 83rd annual Minnesota Farmers Union State Convention was Nov. 22-24 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast, Minneapolis.

About Minnesota Farmers Union

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, X and Instagram.

# # #

Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture, Working for Farmers (www.mfu.org).