In October 2025, GreenSeam partnered with Le Sueur County and the Cities of Le Center, Le Sueur, and Montgomery to conduct Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) visits with nine food and agricultural businesses across northwest Le Sueur County. These one-on-one conversations are a cornerstone of GreenSeam’s work, helping local and regional economic development partners better understand the real-world needs of businesses related to workforce, infrastructure, capital, and market conditions.
By listening directly to employers, GreenSeam and its partners gain insights that inform future collaboration, resource alignment, and regional economic development priorities.
A Diverse and Interconnected Agricultural Economy
The participating businesses represented a wide range of food and agricultural sectors, including food processing, ingredient and equipment manufacturing, mobile meat processing, consumer goods, agritourism, and business services. Together, they reflect the interconnected nature of Le Sueur County’s agricultural economy, where producers, manufacturers, and service providers rely on one another to support the broader food and agriculture supply chain.
Agriculture remains a core pillar of local economic activity. The industry supports one in four local jobs and generates nearly $1 billion in annual sales. Food and beverage manufacturing roles are nine times more concentrated in Le Center, Le Sueur, and Montgomery than the national average, while upstream suppliers of equipment, components, packaging, and veterinary pharmaceuticals contribute roughly 450 high-wage jobs in the area.*
Growth Trends and Investment Plans
Most business leaders reported steady growth over the past year, with two-thirds indicating plans to pursue facility upgrades or expansions within the next five years. These investments are largely driven by product diversification, increased demand, and workforce growth—particularly among manufacturers serving national or global markets.
At the same time, agricultural producers described a more challenging year. Weather-related yield losses and low commodity prices led to reduced spending and slowed investment, underscoring the varying conditions across different segments of the agricultural ecosystem.
Workforce Conditions and Talent Pipelines
Workforce conditions varied across businesses. Roughly half of the companies expressed satisfaction with staffing levels and employee retention, often relying heavily on word-of-mouth recruitment. Others reported ongoing challenges hiring skilled tradespeople, diesel technicians, assemblers, and seasonal labor.
Several businesses experiencing hiring gaps noted limited or no engagement with nearby colleges or workforce programs. This presents an opportunity to strengthen training pipelines and industry–education partnerships, particularly through South Central College and other regional workforce initiatives.
Community Strengths and Barriers to Growth
Community sentiment among participating businesses was largely positive. Food and agribusiness leaders consistently cited Tri-City United Public Schools, the area’s small-town feel, and strong community networks as key assets for both business operations and quality of life.
At the same time, many identified housing shortages, childcare gaps, and zoning or building restrictions as barriers to business expansion and employee recruitment. Improved alignment between local governments and employers on development priorities emerged as a key area for continued collaboration.
Turning Insights Into Action
GreenSeam has shared these findings with local economic development partners to help inform planning and decision-making. Each participating business received customized resource recommendations and follow-up support through GreenSeam’s regional network.
These conversations reinforce the value of ongoing engagement with businesses and communities as GreenSeam works to support a resilient, competitive, and connected food and agriculture economy across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.
To learn more about GreenSeam’s Business Retention & Expansion Program, visit www.greenseam.org/bre.
*Economic data from Lightcast
GreenSeam Names Tim Huebsch Interim Leader
/in GreenSeam NewsGreenSeam Names Tim Huebsch Interim Leader
MANKATO, MN (April 6, 2026) – GreenSeam announces the appointment of Tim Huebsch as interim leader of the organization while the Board of Directors continues its search for a director, following the departure of Sam Ziegler. The search process to hire a permanent director of GreenSeam is underway and is expected to take four to six months. Huebsch began his position on April 1, 2026.
“We are pleased to welcome Tim as interim leader of GreenSeam during this transition.”, said Ryan Erickson, Sr. Manager – Manufacturing Engineering, North America, AGCO Corporation and Chair of the GreenSeam Board of Directors. “His depth of experience, leadership, and strong connection to the region position him well to guide the organization”
Tim brings nearly 25 years of experience leading global, cross-functional teams at General Mills, along with significant board governance experience. He currently serves on the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities Board of Trustees where he chairs the Finance & Facilities Committee for the system. Tim also serves as Vice Chair of the Mankato Area Foundation and is a board member of the Guthrie Theater. He is a past Board Chair and Emeritus Board Member of the Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation. Through his board leadership roles, Tim has helped develop and implement governance and best practices that have strengthened engagement and expanded organizational impact.
“Growing up in Southern Minnesota on a family farm, I am excited and honored to able to serve GreenSeam during this interim period.”, said Huebsch. “I look forward to working closely with the board as they reflect on the successes of GreenSeam’s first 10 years and identify the vision for the future and their next permanent leader.”
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About GreenSeam
GreenSeam is an economic development organization for food and agriculture in southern MN and northern IA on a mission to elevate this region as the world-class food and agribusiness epicenter. Its work is guided by four focus areas: business attraction & creation, business retention & expansion, talent development & retention, and regional branding & promotion. As a community brand, GreenSeam’s work is made possible by its business and community investors and committee volunteers with a passion to see the food and ag industry continue to prosper and fuel communities.
GreenSeam Announces Leadership Transition
/in GreenSeam NewsGreenSeam Announces Leadership Transition
MANKATO, MN (February 27, 2026) – Effective March 13, GreenSeam Director Sam Ziegler will transition from his role to return full-time to help lead and sustain his family’s fifth-generation farming operation.
Ziegler has served as Director of GreenSeam for the past ten years, helping to establish and grow the initiative as a recognized leader in advancing the food and agribusiness economy in southern Minnesota. During his tenure, GreenSeam strengthened regional partnerships, elevated industry visibility, and supported collaboration across business, education, and community stakeholders.
“Sam has played a significant role in shaping GreenSeam over the past decade,” said Della Schmidt, President and CEO of Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. “We are grateful for his leadership, his commitment to the region’s agribusiness sector, and the strong foundation he has helped build. We thank him for his contributions and wish him much success as he continues his family’s farming legacy.”
“On behalf of the GreenSeam Board of Directors, I want to thank Sam for his decade of service and leadership,” said Ryan Erickson, Sr. Manager – Manufacturing Engineering, North America, AGCO Corporation and Chair of the GreenSeam Board of Directors. “He has helped elevate the profile of our region’s agribusiness sector and strengthen valuable industry relationships. We appreciate his contributions and are committed to building on that foundation as we look ahead.”
The work of GreenSeam will continue under the guidance of its dedicated Board of Directors, engaged volunteers, and the support of the Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. leadership team during the transition period.
A formal search process for a new Director of GreenSeam has begun.
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About GreenSeam
GreenSeam is an economic development organization for food and agriculture in southern MN and northern IA on a mission to elevate this region as the world-class food and agribusiness epicenter. Its work is guided by four focus areas: business attraction & creation, business retention & expansion, talent development & retention, and regional branding & promotion. As a community brand, GreenSeam’s work is made possible by its business and community investors and committee volunteers with a passion to see the food and ag industry continue to prosper and fuel communities.
Listening to Local Industry: Key Takeaways from GreenSeam’s Le Sueur County BRE Visits
/in AgriForumIn October 2025, GreenSeam partnered with Le Sueur County and the Cities of Le Center, Le Sueur, and Montgomery to conduct Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) visits with nine food and agricultural businesses across northwest Le Sueur County. These one-on-one conversations are a cornerstone of GreenSeam’s work, helping local and regional economic development partners better understand the real-world needs of businesses related to workforce, infrastructure, capital, and market conditions.
By listening directly to employers, GreenSeam and its partners gain insights that inform future collaboration, resource alignment, and regional economic development priorities.
A Diverse and Interconnected Agricultural Economy
The participating businesses represented a wide range of food and agricultural sectors, including food processing, ingredient and equipment manufacturing, mobile meat processing, consumer goods, agritourism, and business services. Together, they reflect the interconnected nature of Le Sueur County’s agricultural economy, where producers, manufacturers, and service providers rely on one another to support the broader food and agriculture supply chain.
Agriculture remains a core pillar of local economic activity. The industry supports one in four local jobs and generates nearly $1 billion in annual sales. Food and beverage manufacturing roles are nine times more concentrated in Le Center, Le Sueur, and Montgomery than the national average, while upstream suppliers of equipment, components, packaging, and veterinary pharmaceuticals contribute roughly 450 high-wage jobs in the area.*
Growth Trends and Investment Plans
Most business leaders reported steady growth over the past year, with two-thirds indicating plans to pursue facility upgrades or expansions within the next five years. These investments are largely driven by product diversification, increased demand, and workforce growth—particularly among manufacturers serving national or global markets.
At the same time, agricultural producers described a more challenging year. Weather-related yield losses and low commodity prices led to reduced spending and slowed investment, underscoring the varying conditions across different segments of the agricultural ecosystem.
Workforce Conditions and Talent Pipelines
Workforce conditions varied across businesses. Roughly half of the companies expressed satisfaction with staffing levels and employee retention, often relying heavily on word-of-mouth recruitment. Others reported ongoing challenges hiring skilled tradespeople, diesel technicians, assemblers, and seasonal labor.
Several businesses experiencing hiring gaps noted limited or no engagement with nearby colleges or workforce programs. This presents an opportunity to strengthen training pipelines and industry–education partnerships, particularly through South Central College and other regional workforce initiatives.
Community Strengths and Barriers to Growth
Community sentiment among participating businesses was largely positive. Food and agribusiness leaders consistently cited Tri-City United Public Schools, the area’s small-town feel, and strong community networks as key assets for both business operations and quality of life.
At the same time, many identified housing shortages, childcare gaps, and zoning or building restrictions as barriers to business expansion and employee recruitment. Improved alignment between local governments and employers on development priorities emerged as a key area for continued collaboration.
Turning Insights Into Action
GreenSeam has shared these findings with local economic development partners to help inform planning and decision-making. Each participating business received customized resource recommendations and follow-up support through GreenSeam’s regional network.
These conversations reinforce the value of ongoing engagement with businesses and communities as GreenSeam works to support a resilient, competitive, and connected food and agriculture economy across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.
To learn more about GreenSeam’s Business Retention & Expansion Program, visit www.greenseam.org/bre.
*Economic data from Lightcast
GreenSeam Farm to Feast – The BBQ Show
/in In The MediaStunt Monkey and Jake Palmer are joined by Sam Ziegler to discuss how Southern Minnesota’s GreenSeam connects local ag with your BBQ. From the corn and soybeans that feed our livestock to the cattle, hogs, and poultry raised right here, every great BBQ plate starts with Midwest farmers.
Economic Trends to Cyber Security: The Current State of Agriculture
/in In The MediaMARSHALL- On July 22, agriculturalists from across southwestern Minnesota gathered for the 8th annual State of Agriculture event at the Lyon County Fairgrounds. Panelists Julie Tesche with the Center of Rural Policy and Development, Sam Ziegler of GreenSeam, and Chase VanKeulen, a Farm Business Management Instructor shared their insights into data trends impacting rural farmers, businesses and communities. Facilitated by Carolyn Olson from Olson Organics, the panel emphasized the positive impact farms have on local economies, data trends regarding rural businesses, cyber security in agriculture, and rural domestic migration trends.
View the full article from Marshall Radio here.