New Vision for Sustainable Farming

By Scout Nelson

Kielsmeier Cook has joined the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships as the director of statewide sustainable agriculture and food systems. He brings strong experience in agricultural research, education, and leadership. His work focuses on improving food systems by building connections across communities and the agriculture sector.

Kielsmeier Cook’s early life influenced his understanding of farming and the environment. He spent time working on his family farm in North Carolina and later lived in Bolivia for six years. This global experience shaped his views on agriculture and its connection to people and nature.

“There’s poverty and food insecurity in the U.S., but in Bolivia, seeing that at such a raw scale made me think differently about how humans live in relationship with their environment,” said Kielsmeier Cook.

After returning to the United States, he studied environmental science and later earned a master’s degree in plant pathology from the University of Minnesota. Instead of becoming a farmer, he chose a path that combines science and agriculture through research and education.

Over the past 15 years, Kielsmeier Cook has worked in different roles, including research technician, university researcher, teacher, and project manager. He also worked on developing Kernza, a perennial grain crop that supports sustainable farming. These experiences helped him build a strong professional network.

His work philosophy focuses on listening and learning from farmers, researchers, and communities. He believes agriculture is not only about production but also about relationships with land and people. His time working on an organic farm strengthened his belief in a holistic and balanced approach to farming.

In his new role, he is focused on building relationships across Minnesota. He aims to connect community ideas with university resources to support innovation. His goal is to help people build stronger connections with land through food systems and improve sustainability.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-brzozowska