Thank you Bud

 Bud served as a soil fertility trainer in MFA’s Big River Farms Immigrant Farmer Training Program since 2005. Farmer’s in our program loved him, because he obviously knew his stuff, he knew how to communicate with farmers, and his passionate commitment was obvious. He was out here 2 hours before a training class, setting up the learning point spots, preparing the site. Bud served on MFA’s Board of Directors from 2008 through December 2011. He was a steadfast supporter of the whole organization and exceptional at interjecting the views of farmers and staff in our board discussions. So many times, I remember Bud saying something like, Hey, wait a minute, I am not sure I agree, what does this mean for the farmers (or staff). Or he would say, Wait a minute, this is not making sense, we need to put this in a new context. And every time, his comments were productive, constructive and right on.  He was excellent in connecting us with new partners. Bud led MFA’s new Membership Program Task Force and was MFA’s first ‘sustaining member’ in recent history.  Personally, I trusted Bud with my innermost thoughts and ideas, knowing I would get respected and confidential feedback. And most of all, In 2008, Bud gave me this tiny cactus that was started at the Student Organic Farm. He had it in his car when he came out to visit us and asked me if I wanted it. It was about 2” tall in a 3” pot. Today the cactus is about 12” tall and 12” wide and every 3 months or so it produces these beautiful white/pink blossoms. I nurture and care for it everyday, and everyday I look at it, I think of Bud. Thank you  Bud, for everything you did for us, for me, and for our community.

 Glen

 Glen Hill

Executive Director

Minnesota Food Association