St. Paul Reporter

Minnesota State Representative Nathan Nelson (R-Mora) has provided an update on his activities during the legislative interim, highlighting both his work as a farmer and his engagement with community events across the district.

Nelson described the dual nature of his responsibilities as a part-time legislator and full-time farmer. He noted that when not in session at the Capitol, he returns to managing crops and cattle on his farm. “Farming isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. Most of my time is spent managing the crops on my farm, and caring for our cattle, making sure everything runs smoothly from sunrise to sunset. It’s hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding—and it keeps me connected to the land, the weather, and the real challenges that folks in rural Minnesota face every day,” Nelson stated.

He reported participating in several community activities over the summer including parades, county fairs, and meetings with constituents. “Sure, parades and fairs are part of the campaign season—but honestly, they’re one of my favorite ways to meet people, share what’s happening in the legislature, and hear firsthand what’s on your mind. These conversations—whether at the end of a parade route or over a cup of coffee—help shape the work I do when I’m back in St. Paul,” he said.

A recent highlight was joining Senator Putnam for a tour focused on East Central Energy’s broadband expansion project. The initiative is supported by nearly $15 million in Border-to-Border Broadband grants aimed at closing connectivity gaps in Isanti, Kanabec, and Pine counties through new fiber infrastructure. During their visit, Nelson observed network verification efforts by Connected Nation and visited MINPACK—a business benefiting from improved internet speeds through ECE Fiber.

According to Nelson: “On our visit, we saw the work up close. Connected Nation, the state’s contracted verifier, was on-site doing speed tests and mapping checks to make sure the network meets top-notch performance standards. We also stopped at MINPACK, a commercial printer in Pine City, where owner Brent Thompson shared how switching to ECE Fiber has been a game-changer—more reliable, faster, and keeping his business running smoothly. And it’s not just his business that’s benefiting—his home in Kanabec County is now better connected too.”

ECE Fiber has installed more than 2,200 miles of fiber optic cable so far; over 5,000 homes have been connected along with about 300 businesses. The project has also created 45 local jobs.

Nelson emphasized broadband access as essential for modern agriculture: “As someone who farms for a living, I know broadband isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ anymore—it’s part of how we do business...fast and reliable internet is just as important as good roads and reliable electricity.”

He expressed commitment to continued advocacy for rural infrastructure projects: “As your representative, I’ll keep working to secure funding for projects like this—investments that keep rural Minnesota competitive...This project proves what’s possible when state leadership, local cooperatives, and dedicated funding work hand in hand.”

The update also recognized several local farming families honored this year for their contributions:

- The Sikkink family of Hinckley received recognition as a 2025 Century Farm by both the Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau.

- Three district families were named University of Minnesota 2025 Farm Families of the Year: The Harth Family (Hinckley), noted for conservation efforts; The Erickson Family (Mora), recognized for stewardship since 1906; The Hardy Family (Rust Hill Ranch), known for sustainable practices supporting healthy soils.

“To date...thank you for setting such a shining example,” Nelson said regarding these families’ achievements.

Nelson concluded by expressing appreciation for ongoing constituent engagement throughout summer events: “It’s a privilege to represent a district filled with hardworking...community-minded people.” He invited residents to continue reaching out with questions or concerns.