Lindsey Loken, Blondie's Butcher Shop, Wanamingo, MN
Lindsey, a Midwest-born farm girl, is now a renowned butcher, professional cook and TV personality with deep agricultural roots. She grew up mastering traditional farm-to-table cooking inspired by her family's heritage. Lindsey returned to butchery after stints in emergency medicine and on a Montana cattle ranch. Today, she owns Blondies Butcher Shop, the only pink meat locker on this side of Mississippi, which focuses on connecting consumers and producers while empowering entrepreneurs. Known for her down-home relatability, Lindsey shares her expertise and journey on national platforms, promoting the art of butchery and sustainable cooking.
Meg Moynihan, Senior Advisor, Minnesotat Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Meg serves as Senior Advisor on Strategy & Innovation at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, where she focuses on emerging issues and leads the agency’s work on farm stress. She previously managed the MDA’s organic program, worked in the nonprofit and education sectors, and served with the U.S. Peace Corps-Thailand. Moynihan owns and operates a diversified 70-cow organic dairy farm with her husband. In 2016, she took a leave of absence to run the farm singlehandedly, which gave her direct experience with the stress, anxiety, burnout and depression that many farmers experience.
Becca Golden, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension
Becca has been a dedicated advocate for youth for nearly a decade, serving as an Extension educator in 4-H Youth Development since 2019. Growing up on a farm in rural Minnesota, Becca developed a deep appreciation for agriculture, which inspired her pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. Becca strives to empower the next generation through opportunities that foster growth, resilience and lifelong learning.
Jenny Heck, Program Administrator, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Jenny is a program administrator for Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Rural Finance Authority, where she manages the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit and Down Payment Assistance Grant. Jenn's background includes farmers market management, horticulture and business support for beginning and emerging farmers.
Courtney VanderMey, Program Administrator, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Courtney is the Farm and Business Development Coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture working primarily with grants to farmers. She manages the AGRI Livestock Investment and the Preparing for Extreme Weather grants.
Rachel Wandrei, External Relations Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Rachel joined Minnesota Grown as Marketing Manager in 2022, bringing a background in marketing and communications from the arts sector along with experience in restaurants and shared-use commercial kitchens. A life-long food lover, she thinks picking up a weekly CSA share is better than a birthday!
Jodi Brown, Farmer, Brown Family Produce
Jodi and her husband own and operate Brown Family Farm in Oak Park, MN. They are first generation farmers who focus on their seasonal vegetable operation. They also raise heritage breed hogs. They have operated a CSA Share Program for over a decade and offer delivery throughout the twin cities metro area.
Stephanie Paulsen, Farmer
Stephanie and her husband own Paulsen Red Angus. Together they raise registered Red Angus breeding stock, Dorper hair sheep, and a few chickens near Isle, MN. They are first generation farmers. She currently works in the conservation field and has a degree in Agricultural Education.
Bailey Tangen, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension
Bailey is an Extension educator specializing in soil health and water resources, focusing on helping producers improve soil health and boost farm profitability through practices like continuous living cover and reduced tillage. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science & Environmental Education and a master’s degree in Water Resources Science, with a minor in Land and Atmospheric Science, both from the University of Minnesota. Bailey has hands-on experience in soil assessment and has participated on the UMN Soil Judging team. Her favorite place to talk with producers about soil health is inside a soil pit.
Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension
Jodi has been an Extension regional educator at the University of Minnesota for over 28 years. Jodi focuses on tillage systems, soil compaction and improving soil health. She works with growers, industry and government agencies to provide high-quality educational programs and research to reduce soil erosion and promote sustainable farming practices.
Megan Herbst, Conservation Planner, Stearns Conservation District
Megan Herbst was raised on a dairy farm and began working for the Stearns Conservation District in 2011. She works with livestock producers on nutrient management plans and conservation best management practices. She has been involved with Discovery Farms Minnesota and the DNR Cooperative Groundwater Monitoring Program. She also assists with Commercial Animal Waste Technician recertification and testing, the Ag BMP Loan Program and the Stearns County Cooperative Weed Management Area Program.