By Scout Nelson
A Minnesota Farm Bureau youth leader has earned national recognition by finishing in the top ten of the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture competition. The announcement was made during the closing general session of the organization’s annual convention.
Hannah Molitor of Stearns County represented Minnesota during the two-day national contest that brought together more than twenty participants from across the United States. Competitors shared their leadership work, agriculture knowledge, and involvement in community and Farm Bureau programs. Judges evaluated leadership skills, service efforts, and participation in agriculture activities to select the top finalists.
Raised on a family dairy farm, Molitor developed a strong interest in agriculture at an early age. Today, she supports farm families through her professional and volunteer roles. She works as a program analyst with the USDA Farm Service Agency and as a field technician with Minnesota Dairy Herd Improvement Association. Through these roles, she helps farms understand safety-net programs and improve production practices by collecting and analyzing herd data.
At the county level, Molitor has played a major role in improving agriculture education and public outreach. She created and leads the county fair’s Adventures in Agriculture exhibit, which welcomes more than 8,000 visitors each year. The exhibit offers hands-on learning stations that allow children and families to experience farm life. Activities include milking practice stations, chick hatching displays, and other interactive features that make learning about farming engaging and easy to understand.
She also helped launch classroom agriculture education programs, organized farm safety demonstrations, and supported community events that connect local residents with agriculture. These efforts help students learn where food comes from and why agriculture is important.
Her advocacy efforts extend beyond the local community. Molitor has taken part in national agriculture discussions and worked with state and federal leaders to share the concerns of farm families. These efforts help bring agriculture voices into important policy conversations and encourage better understanding among lawmakers.
Beyond agriculture work, Molitor remains active in community and faith-based programs. She supports local ministries, helps organize community events, and shares stories that highlight rural life and farming traditions.
This recognition highlights the importance of young leaders who support agriculture, strengthen communities, and help guide the future of farming across the country.
Photo Credit: minnesota-farm-bureau
Categories: Minnesota, Education, General