Showcasing Ag in the GreenSeam
Southern Minnesota through northern Iowa is an area that is rich in agricultural roots and future harvesting potential, and due to this, GreenSeam LLC was created several years ago to take ag from the background to the foreground of people’s minds. GreenSeam has a united Board of Governors that all want to take GreenSeam to the next level, and Gary Koch, the Chair of GreenSeam’s board, is one great example of this group’s views.
After graduating from law school in 1979 and moving to Minnesota a few years after, Koch found the focus of his professional life to revolve around helping and supporting ag in the Midwest, specifically in Minnesota. In doing this work with the businesses and families centered around ag, Koch saw that the well-being of this region is heavily reliant upon agribusiness. As he has continued to work with agribusinesses throughout his career, currently at Christensen Farms, he enjoys being able to work with the future leaders of the ag industry and getting to see them accomplish more and more than those who came before them due to technology and their work ethic.
When asked why he joined the GreenSeam Board, Koch replied, “I became involved with GreenSeam to join with other like-minded individuals in an effort to enhance the environment for agribusiness in the area.” Koch is excited for the prospects that GreenSeam has, and he believes that the work of the organization will help keep the GreenSeam region a center of ag excellence for those already here and those who will inevitably come here for the rich prospects.
As GreenSeam continues to show this region how much agriculture impacts everyone living here, board members like Gary Koch will be continuing to work in and with agribusiness. Ag involves so many people due to the landscape and environment of the Midwest, and GreenSeam is doing a splendid job of showcasing that fact.
Why does your organization invest in GreenSeam?
Christensen Farms was born in the ideas and hard work of people here in Southern Minnesota. Christensen Farms invests in GreenSeam as a way to tell the story and promote the success of the many companies and individuals who have a stake in elevating the excellence of this world-class food production region.
What value does GreenSeam bring to your business and the region?
GreenSeam adds value by being an advocate, promoter, and convenor of persons and institutions who, by being brought together to share a common story and common goals, are able to leverage each other to enhance the value and performance of our individual businesses.
Do you recommend others to invest in GreenSeam and why?
Agriculture is the driving force in our region. We, as agricultural producers and allied businesses, are all in it together when it comes to making our region successful and a place where people will be attracted to work and raise a family. It is in all of our interests to invest in a common voice to speak of our values and our success. GreenSeam can and will be that voice.
How is the GreenSeam region becoming a world-class food and agribusiness epicenter?
The ag stakeholders in the region, such as communities, educational institutions, and private businesses, all have an increasing awareness that their individual success is based, in large part, on regional success. The effort to get the stakeholders out of silos and to have them look at opportunities to collaborate plays a key role. In taking a holistic view of what the region has to offer, ag-related partners can leverage their respective skills and financial strength to make this region a destination for people to work, live, and succeed in whichever individual areas of interest or expertise they might be.
What does it mean to be a part of the GreenSeam?
Being a part of the GreenSeam means being a part of a community where people shared a common goal of achieving excellence in agriculture. This in turn makes our communities vibrant and exciting places to live, work, and raise a family.
What is unique about the GreenSeam region?
Strong work ethic, strong family values, abundant resources, and welcoming communities that offer opportunities for a diverse and skilled workforce.
How does GreenSeam, the organization, shape the future of agriculture, businesses, and communities in the region?
GreenSeam unifies the region’s voice. It acts as a thought leader, organizer, and advocate for the region and its needs, as well as those of its stakeholders.
What brings you, as well as your business to the GreenSeam table?
Our company was founded here, we have become successful here, and we want to drive that success into greater opportunity and achievement in the dynamic global community in which we now live. This aspiration is bigger than any one individual or institution. For any of us to be successful, we all need to be working towards this common goal. GreenSeam is the platform to drive that further success.
