Lori Fetzer
MAITC, Inc. Foundation Board Member
Why did you join the board?
I wanted to join the board because I am passionate about helping others, particularly students, understand where their food and resources come from, but also the dedication it takes to produce it. Agriculture is full of innovation, science, and problem solving, yet so many young people never get the chance to understand it, much less experience it firsthand. By supporting the work of MAITC, I hope to help strengthen the connection between classrooms and agriculture, ensuring teachers have access to meaningful, easy to use tools that bring farming to life and inspire the next generation of informed consumers and hopefully future leaders in ag too!
What MAITC program or initiative are you most passionate about and why?
I am most excited for Farm Camp because it immerses students and teachers with hands-on agricultural experiences that are so much more meaningful and impactful than what can be learned through a textbook. Farm Camp gives young people the chance to step into rural communities, meet the people that care for the land and animals and see decisions and operations behind making food. It also helps educators build confidence in teaching agriculture by showing them how they can connect curriculum to real-world farm practices and experiences. Ultimately, Farm Camp strengthens understanding, builds respect for farmers, and sparks curiosity to those young minds.
What is your favorite agricultural product and why?
Dairy products for sure! My husband is part of a 6th generation family farm, so you could say milk runs in our veins (at least in my protein coffee and ice cream). I love dairy because it tells the story of hardworking farm families, healthy animals, and a whole lot of dedication. Plus let’s be honest – what celebration doesn’t involve ice cream? Whether it’s cheese trays at holidays, yogurt in lunchboxes, milk at school or a scoop of ice cream for those special moments, dairy bring people together in the most delicious way!!
What is your profession?
I work in agriculture finance as a Director of Animal Ag – Dairy where I lead our skilled team of dairy lenders. Together, we partner with farm families across the Midwest to support strong business planning, smart growth strategies, and long-term financial resilience. My role focuses on coaching and guiding a team that understands both farming and finance, so that we can help producers make confidence decisions that strengthen their operations for today and tomorrow. Supporting farmers who feed our communities – and do it with such passion and innovation – makes our work meaningful every day.