Caledonia Argus

Coleman visits Ingvalson farm

Posted: 6/11/02

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

Mike Ingvalson has felt a little overwhelmed these last few weeks.

Not only is he hosting the breakfast on the farm and two graduation parties, but he recently entertained a visit on Wednesday, June 5, from Norm Coleman, republican candidate for the U.S. senate.

Ingvalson received a call on Monday, June 3, to see if it was ok that Coleman visit his farm to learn about some of the farming issues.

He said, yes, of course. ìIím a little dumbfounded because everything happened so quick. Itís exciting and fun,î he said.

Coleman spent an hour-and-a-half talking with local farmers, and touring Ingvalsonís facilities.

Also, at the special meeting was former State Representative Michelle Rifenberg, State Senator Bob Kierlin and former State Representative Virgil Johnson.

The visit to Ingvalsonís farm was part of a two day tour of the area. Earlier that day, Coleman had been to a donut shop in Albert Lea, visited with the chamber of commerce in Austin and visited Leidelís Apple Orchard in La Crescent.

Nate Johnson, a Coleman field staffer said, ìItís the feeling of the campaign to spend a few days each week visiting different areas.î

Johnson explained that Coleman had been planning to run for governor against Jesse Ventura, but changed course after President George W. Bush asked him to run for U.S. Senate against Paul Wellstone.

ìThe control of the senate is at stake,î explained Johnson.

Coleman served as mayor of St. Paul for from, 1994-2001, and then chaired the ìBush for Presidentî campaign.

While addressing the crowd, Coleman admitted that he doesnít know a lot about farming, but said, ìI know what I donít know.î

He cited some of the problems with the 1996 farm bill. ìIt didnít open up markets and it didnít get loan rates,î he said.

Coleman said he lives up to his promises, and referred to his record as mayor of St. Paul, where the taxes did not increase in eight years. He said, ìJudge me over twelve years. Look at the 18,000 new jobs (that were created in St. Paul),î he said.

Coleman believes having the ear of the president as a good thing. ìI tell my friend, the president, ëWe need to develop bio-diesel.í

Itís huge to be able to go to the leader of the free world and have someone listen, he said.

Coleman said he is aware that environmental regulations are putting economic strife on the farm.

He said, ìItís all about balance.î

Coleman said the only way to increase how much farmers are paid for their product is to open the markets and increase the demand.

This is one reason he is looking at the market of bio-diesel fuel in Minnesota which would utilizes soy for fuel.

Mike Ingvalson expressed his concern that all of the regulations that are put on the farmer make it economically unfeasible to implement them. Ingvalson said he knows of people who have left the county because of it.

He feels it is very important to keep the dairy business from leaving Houston County because of how much it stimulates the local economy. He said, ìNinety percent of my profit is spent in Houston County.î

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