Susanne serves as an Extension educator on the Agricultural Business Management team based at the Brainerd Regional Office. She holds degrees in marketing/ag economics and a master's in leadership and public affairs. Susanne is a primary contributor to the Women in Ag Network, as well as working with farm businesses / families on farm transition and estate planning at U of M Extension. She also teaches business planning and other farm business topics. Susanne can often be found in her kayak, walking trails, relaxing by the lake, or hobnobbing with her backyard flock of chickens. 

DeeDee is an Extension educator specializing in community economics, agritourism and sustainable tourism development in rural areas. She leverages mobile data and cross-sector partnerships to develop resources and workshops that serve the unique needs of seasonal tourism. Her work contributes to economic vitality, strengthens bonds among residents, and celebrates the distinctive local culture. DeeDee holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Hamline University.  She enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family, relaxing by the lake or playing whist.

Laura graduated from the University of Minnesota Crookston with Bachelor of Science degrees in Agricultural Business and Equine Science. She spent almost a decade in the financial services business in Texas. Returning to her roots in Graceville, MN, she took a lending position with AgCountry Farm Credit Services. She enjoys spending time with her dogs, exploring the outdoors on horseback, and working on her small hobby farm that includes poultry. 

Star graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor's degree in agricultural education. She began her career in agricultural education before transitioning to a coordinator role at MN Grazing Lands Conservation Association. She is passionate about farming and manages a hobby farm where they raise sheep, goats, cattle, poultry, rabbits, and hogs. Star also breeds miniature Australian Shepherds and relies on her Great Pyrenees guard dog to protect her livestock. 

Tarah is an Extension educator in Hubbard County. She recently completed her M.S. in Applied Plant Science at the University of Minnesota. She grew up on a small Hereford cattle farm in Buffalo, MN, and specializes in forages, soil fertility and pasture management.

Kelly is a livestock specialist with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.  She helped to develop the Conservation Grazing program and policies used by the MN DNR. She manages the Cropland Grazing Exchange, the Agricultural Growth Research and Innovation, and the Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant. Kelly and her husband run a herd of Angus in West-Central MN. They worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to rotationally graze nearby Waterfowl Production Areas to benefit wildlife habitat. She enjoys riding horses and uses them to check and move the cows. She recently added a flock of sheep to the operation.

Rachel of Little Timber Farms in Blackduck, MN, transitioned from a career as a 6th-grade teacher to a full-time cattle farmer, blending her passion for lifelong learning with her love for agriculture. As a fourth-generation farmer, she manages a thriving bred heifer development program while mentoring women in agriculture and advocating for the industry through Common Ground. Rachel educates urban consumers about sustainable farming, animal welfare and food production. She treasures the opportunity to teach her grandchildren the values of hard work, stewardship and farming traditions.

Growing up on a farm in rural western Minnesota, Mardi learned the value and guiding principles of "on the job" training and having a strong work ethic. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree at North Dakota State University and worked at University of Minnesota Extension. She manages the operations of a beef cow-calf herd on her farm in Cass County. After the loss of her husband in 2013, it was through faith, grit, perseverance, and a support system that she and her children have carried on the legacy of their farm.

Emily grew up on her family’s dairy farm near Le Sueur, MN. She is an Extension Educator for Farm Safety & Health. Her work focuses on safety with grain bins, livestock & tractors, farmer mental health, and suicide prevention. Her passion is advocating for wellness in agriculture. She has a BS in Animal Science and a Masters in Agricultural Education from the University of Minnesota.