Minnesota Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen optimistic about Minnesota — and wants others to be, too

WEST FARGO, N.D. — Despite economic and meteorologic headwinds, ag producers in the region have reasons to be optimistic, according to Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture Thom Petersen. He believes producers in the region increasingly are feeding the world, all while knowing that production agriculture can be challenging a lot of times. Petersen last month discussed a variety of topics during a forum at the Agweek 360 building at the Big Iron Farm Show in West Fargo. It was the final of 14 forums, which were moderated by Agweek staff and open to the public. It s easy to not be optimistic, but I always try to look at the positives, Petersen said after he left the stage. There are very good indicators in the market. We just have to continue to chase those down and keep building them up. Among them, he said, are improved cattle markets, which he believes will eventually help our grain farmers, and a rising economy for biofuels. E-15 sales are strong, Petersen