MDI will host Farm Couple Retreats in St. Cloud, MN and Rochester, MN
Minnesota Dairy Initiative (MDI) will be hosting two farm couple retreats that will be available to dairy farmers across the state of Minnesota. MDI will also be hosting a 2.0 Farm Couple Retreat for past retreat attendees. The 2.0 retreat is open to all past attendees (not just dairy farmers) thanks to sponsorship from AgCountry Credit Services.
The dates and locations of the farm couple retreats are February 9-10, 2024 in St. Cloud, MN at the Country Inn and Suites West (235 Park Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301) and February 23-24, 2024 in Rochester at the Hampton Inn & Suites (2870 59th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901). The 2.0 retreat will be held in St. Cloud, MN at the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn (100 4th Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301).
The purpose of the retreat is to have couples come together to enjoy a mini vacation away from the farm with each other. The focuses of the retreat will include communication with your partner, communication with family, relationship building, handling stress, managing personalities, problem solving, action planning, and learning about additional resources. The retreat will also include opportunities to network with other farming couples, short lectures, group activities, and partner exercises.
Monica Kramer McConkey, Rural Mental Health Specialist with MDA will be presenting and facilitating the retreat. Emily Krekelberg, University of Minnesota Farm Safety and Health Extension Educator, and Jim Salfer, University of Minnesota Extension Educator – Dairy, will also be presenting.
Farm couple retreats are limited to the first ten couples that sign up per location. All lodging, meals, refreshments, and materials are included in registration. Please contact Emily Mollenhauer for a registration form and further details regarding the retreats.
MDI helps existing and potential dairy producers succeed through team-based on-farm education, resources and networking. MDI’s mission is energizing a healthy and vibrant dairy industry in Minnesota and is funded by grants administered through the MN Department of Agriculture.For couples interested in learning more information or would like to register for a farm couple retreat, please contact Emily Mollenhauer, MDI State Director, at (651) 764-0309 or [email protected].
