A logo for the minnesota grazing lands conservation association

ABOUT


What is MN Grazing Lands Conservation Association?


The Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association (MNGLCA) is a grassroots 501(c)(3) Non-Profit group organized to promote the health and sustainability of the state of Minnesota's 4.633 million acres of grazing lands. We were incorporated in the state of Minnesota in 2009 and gained our Non-Profit status in 2010.


Minnesota GLCA is a voluntary group of producers from across Minnesota who cooperate to provide local leadership, guidance, information, and technical assistance to grassland managers and producers. 

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Vision


To promote sustainable grassland resources in Minnesota by:

  • Learning from peer trial and experience
  • Opening doors to grassland management expertise
  • Sharing alternatives and different perspectives
  • Discovering common objectives and goals through grassroots efforts
  • Generating new ideas

Background


The MN Grazing Land Conservation Association is a farmer led educational organization, built on the importance of teaching about grazing lands in Minnesota. Networking, educational opportunities, and mentorship are just some of the values of the MNGLCA.


Membership in MNGLCA opens doors to learn about alternative practices, develop goals, and create success in your grazing land operation. With mentors across the state, the MNGLCA creates pathways to learn from local successful farmers, large and small scale farms, and best practices for grazing land operations.


Given the appropriate tools and training, grassland managers and producers will be better prepared to make cost-effective and environmentally sound decisions. MNGLCA believes that through voluntary actions, respect for private property owners' rights, and education on the values & benefits of well managed grazing resources for livestock, these goals are achievable.

Board Members


Thanks for their leadership and commitment!

A man wearing a hat and glasses is standing in front of a house.

Dean Thomas

President

A man wearing a hat is smiling in a field

Scott Thooft

Vice President

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Debbie Thooft

Secretary

A man wearing a cowboy hat is covering his nose with his hand.

Eric Mousel

Board Member

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Troy Salzer

Board Member

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Dave Evans

Board Member

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Morgan Kauth

Board Member

READ BIO

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John Meyer

Board Member

Staff


A group of sheep are standing in a pen and looking at the camera.

Star Nelson

Coordinator

Grazing Specialists


The grazing specialists listed here are experienced professionals who are employed at the county, state, and federal levels. They can provide you with valuable information

Jeff Duchene

Grazing Specialist

Perham, MN 56573

(218) 346-4260 ext. 101​

jeff.duchene@usda.gov

Lance Smith

MN State Rangeland
Management Specialist

St. Paul, MN 55101

(218) 255-0348

lance.smith@usda.gov

Dean Thomas

Soil Health Tech SE

413 Farmers Street Box A

Preston, MN 55965

(507) 676-0407

Dean.thomas@mn.nacdnet.net

Goals and Objectives



  • To promote sustainable ranching through
  • Education
  • Connecting grazers with mentors
  • Enhance profitability for ranchers
  • Highlight the advantages of grazing and soil health
  • Highlight the advantages of grazing and its positive impact on wildlife
  • Create positive impacts on improving water quality and minimize runoff into our streams and lakes

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