By Scout Nelson
Farming comes with its challenges, from unpredictable weather to crop and livestock diseases, and the isolation of rural life. For LGBTQ+ farmers, these struggles are often compounded by additional difficulties, including a sense of isolation from the broader farming community. In response, some LGBTQ+ farmers are finding solidarity by coming together to share their experiences and connect with one another.
This weekend, the state agriculture department, in collaboration with the University of Minnesota, will host a groundbreaking conference called "Ag for All" in St. Cloud. This is the first event of its kind in Minnesota, aimed at creating an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ farmers to network, discuss issues, and find support.
Emily Krekelberg, an organizer from the University of Minnesota, and Michael Romanski, a farmer from Monticello who raises chickens and sheep, will both be part of the event. They recently joined MPR News host Nina Moini to discuss the importance of this inaugural conference. The goal is to provide a platform for LGBTQ+ farmers to feel seen, heard, and supported in an often isolated industry, while also fostering a more inclusive agricultural community.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Minnesota, Business