Saint Paul - Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the reappointment of Kevin Dahlman and Clifford Vrieze to the Minnesota Agriculture Education Leadership Council. Both are reappointed to a four-year term that expires January 7, 2013.

Dahlman, of Cokato, is the president and part-owner of Dahlco Seeds/Dahlman Farms, a regional seed company and farm selling hybrid corn, soybeans, small grains, and alfalfa seeds in five states. He is the past president of the Independent Professional Seedsman Association and served as a board member of the Wright County Farm Service Agency from 2002-2008. Dahlman currently serves as chair of the Dassel-Cokato School Board and is an active supporter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Dahlman is the president-elect of the Minnesota FFA alumni association.

Vrieze, of Trimont, is the owner-operator of the Vrieze Crop Farm, a 160-acre farm in Trimont. He recently retired from teaching farm business management at Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Truman. During his tenure as a professor, Vrieze was honored as the Teacher of the Year in 2004 by the Association for Career and Technical Education. Vrieze is a past president of the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators and a past school board member for Trimont Public Schools and Martin County West Public Schools. Vrieze earned his master of arts degree in agriculture education from the University of Minnesota.

The Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council is dedicated to improving and restructuring Agricultural Education in Minnesota at all levels. The Council consists of 16 members, including two members appointed by the Governor.