The Chamber Agribusiness Committee’s purpose is to advance the relationships between farm production and community business leaders. The committee meets on the first Thursday of every month and welcomes new committee members at any time. Feel free to come in and sit in on a meeting to see first hand the important work that is being done around local Agri-Business. Contact Todd Ginter at the Faribault Chamber for more details about the Agri-Business Committee.
Every year the committee hosts and organizes a number of events that benefits and promotes agriculture.
One of the most successful and satisfying programs the committee puts together is its “Ag in the Classroom” program. In February, the committee arranges a guest speaker to go into local third grade classrooms and give a presentation on what happens on a farm. Then in March and April, thanks to a grant from South Central College for bussing, the students visit local farms and see first hand ag-business in action.
In November, the committee is the host for a Farm-Business luncheon that aims to bring greater understanding of the economic impact of agriculture by bringing in a knowledgeable speaker t o provide information on a specific aspect of Ag.
In July they host the “Best of the Best in Agriculture” awards. In 2008, the committee started a new tradition with this event they hope to have last for many years to come, they choose and honor Hall of Famers in Ag from Rice County. The program also recognizes the Farm Family of the Year among other awards.
In August, the committee organizes a Farm-Business Tour that allows people to tour a local business and a local farm. In 2009, Environmental Tillage Systems hosted the Business tour and it was estimated that 60-80 people showed up to take the tour and learn about their business.
The Chamber Agri-Business committee is always looking to invite new members to join the committee and assist with the planning and execution of their programs and events. If you are interested, the committee meets the first Thursday of every month at Noon at the Chamber office.
Upcoming Ag-Events: 
On February 17, 18 and 19, local farmer Kevin Estrem will be visiting Faribault elementary schools and the Medford elementary school to talk to 3rd graders about the importance of Agriculture and the business of farming. The committee has been organizing this program for the past 13 year’s. After the classroom visits, the committee schedules visits to local farms for the students in late March and early April. With a grant from South Central College for bussing expenses, the trip out to the farm for the students is one of the highlights of the school year for them.
