ST. PAUL – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) honored Matt Kruger with its Rising Star award during a Nov. 22 awards program.

Kruger and his wife, Maggie, live on a farm near Pine Island. Kruger has been a Farmers Union member since 2020 and has leaned into ag policy work to learn how to become a better advocate for agriculture.

He is working to improve the soil health on his farm by planting cover crops and using a diverse crop rotation. He is involved with Green Acres Milling, which is building a oat mill in Albert Lea to give area farmers another market for oats.

Kruger is the Olmsted County Farmers Union vice president and has served on the MFU policy committee.

“Matt has been a true Rising Star in Farmers Union,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “In his short time as a member, he has dived into ag policy and attended legislative events hosted by Farmers Union, including the National Farmers Union Fly-in. Matt has hosted county events and elected officials on the farmstead he and Maggie share. He is an excellent advocate for agriculture.”

“For me, farming is a lifestyle, not a choice, it’s in my blood,” Kruger said. “In my young career, I have worked in both corporate America and at a small start-up company. I’ve been exposed to many different perspectives on how agricultural policy can be done. I can either be part of the agricultural policy discussion and give my opinion or stand on the sidelines and accept the results without giving my opinion. For me, it’s important to be a part of Minnesota Farmers Union to help craft the message of Fairness for Farmers.”

The 84th annual Minnesota Farmers Union State Convention was Nov. 21-23 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, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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