EDA to send out ag survey

Jun 22, 2023

Aug 8, 2023

FAIRMONT– The Martin County Economic Development Authority (EDA) on Monday heard plans to send out an agriculture producer letter and survey.

EDA consultant, Amber Patten, said, “You guys said it earlier; the biggest business in Martin County is agriculture. I want to talk to those agriculture producers.”

She said she’s put together a letter and survey, along with both a QR code and link, that will be sent to all agriculture producers in the county.

“It’s a little over 2,600. That’s a lot of responses if I would get them all back,” Patten said.

The survey was shared with the board and includes questions asking about economic challenges farmers face, long-term goals and expectations regarding agriculture infrastructure.

County Commissioner Member Richard Koons said, “I think you need to be asking these people what businesses we need to support them.”

Patten said she can add a more direct question about that in the survey.

“I really think this survey would be eye-opening for… all of us in the room to see what kind of response we get back and what the responses will be,” Patten said.

She said there will be a cost associated with the survey. Two quotes have come in, both of which have come in at about $2,600, or $1 a mailing. Patten noted there’s not a grant she could use to pay for it so the amount would come out of the general fund if the board decides to move forward with it.

The board immediately made a motion to move forward with the survey.

“I’m super excited for this,” said Patten.

Board Member Wes Anderson pointed out that the fair is coming up soon and that it would be advantageous to have something available then. Patten shared that Martin County EDA will have a booth at the fair and will have the survey, along with other materials, on hand then.

In other business at Monday’s meeting, business attraction in Martin County was discussed. Patten said she has talked with Lisa Hughes with DEED (Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development) about what type of business and companies come into Martin County.

“She said, ‘yes, I would love to talk to you, but can you do some research on what Martin County currently has,'” Patten said.

Both Patten and the EDA’s other consultant, Joshua Schuetz, have since been working on putting together a fact sheet detailing the type of businesses in Martin County.

“After that we’ll be talking to Lisa to discuss next steps and see if she has any ideas on what we can go after for businesses,” Patten said.

Schuetz asked the board what industries it thought should be a focus area for business attraction and retention efforts.

Board Member Steve Fosness said he felt like ag, specifically hogs, should be a focus as that’s the leading industry.

Koons said that an area in grave need is veterinarians. He shared some information about local veterinarians who have either closed because they couldn’t find anyone to take over the business or have limited services.

“Small animal vets, we have a huge shortage of. Veterinarians… it’s a huge problem,” Koons said.

Moving to other matters, Schuetz provided an update on the grocery locker project. At past meetings information has been shared regarding the installation of grocery lockers in rural communities that could simplify grocery delivery.

On Monday Schuetz said that market research has been done on grocers interested in setting up in parts of Martin County that currently don’t have a grocery store.

“I think it would be a cool way to expand access to groceries,” Schuetz said.

He said not only would it benefit communities that don’t have their own store, but also give existing stores in the county an opportunity to expand their market.

In other business at Monday’s meeting:

— The board heard some information on the Hispanic Voices in Martin County panel and fiesta, which will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 24.

— The board heard steps Patten and Schuetz have been making to address the housing shortage in the county. The two have a meeting with Southern Minnesota Housing Partnership later this week.

— The board approved the 2024 budget, which reflects a $1,500 increase from last year. It’s up to $127,050. It was $125,511 in 2023.

The next EDA meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 5, due to the Labor Day holiday.

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

TRUMAN — A farmers' market will be held 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, at Graf Park in Truman. Vendors can be ...

SHERBURN — The Sherburn Theatre will again show the movie ‘Miracle Club’ this weekend, Sept. 1-3. Show times ...

FAIRMONT— The Fairmont City Council on Monday considered using budgeted funds to pay for a new refrigeration ...

Saturday, August 268:42 p.m. — A two vehicle accident at eastbound Interstate 90 and Highway 22, in Foster ...

FAIRMONT— Martin County Economic Development Authority (EDA) has identified housing as a need and a priority for ...