Cargill to Cut 8,000 Jobs Amid Industry Shifts

Issue #147

04 Dec

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

🌨️ Marshall, MN Weather - Light snow with a high of 31

🗞️ Southwest Minnesota Artists Selected for Parks Art Residency

🗞️ Cargill to Cut 8,000 Jobs Amid Industry Shifts

📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!

📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

Southwest Minnesota Artists Selected for Parks Art Residency

Two talented artists from southwest Minnesota, Tamara Isfeld and John Sterner, will bring their creative vision to local parks as part of the Minnesota Parks Artists-in-Residence (MNPAiR) program.

This year-long pilot initiative connects artists with Minnesota parks to create meaningful, community-inspired art installations.

Isfeld and Sterner will collaborate on projects at Memorial Park in Granite Falls and Lake Brophy County Park in Alexandria during the spring and summer.

Both artists have deep roots in the region’s art scene. Sterner’s works include public sculptures in Marshall, such as the Mrs. Whitney statue in Liberty Park and the Mustang sculpture at Southwest Minnesota State University.

Isfeld contributed to the Marshall “M” sculpture at Independence Park, a mosaic project celebrating the city’s 150th anniversary.

The MNPAiR program is a partnership involving the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Metropolitan Council Regional Parks, and Forecast Public Art.

Funding comes from the Legacy Amendment Parks and Trails Fund, with the goal of fostering welcoming spaces and celebrating local culture through art.

The residency emphasizes creating art that highlights the unique features and history of each park while building connections with the community.

Both artists aim to incorporate the parks’ natural beauty and local narratives, including links to the Native American heritage of the area.

As part of their approach, Isfeld and Sterner are keen to involve the public in the creative process, aiming to make the artwork interactive and meaningful for visitors.

Their work will be an enduring contribution to the parks, blending art, nature, and community in a way that encourages reflection and engagement with Minnesota’s outdoor spaces.

Cargill to Cut 8,000 Jobs Amid Industry Shifts

Cargill, the Minnesota-based agribusiness giant, is cutting approximately 5% of its global workforce, equating to around 8,000 employees.

This decision is part of a broader strategy to realign resources and enhance the company’s long-term impact, according to the company.

Cargill operates in 70 countries and serves 125 markets, reported annual revenues of $160 billion in 2024, a drop from the $177 billion recorded the previous year.

These layoffs come as the agricultural sector grapples with declining commodity prices, including wheat and vegetable oil, which have fallen from pandemic-driven highs.

Despite higher consumer prices compared to several years ago, the pressure on large food companies like Cargill has intensified.

Cargill's CEO, Brian Sikes, indicated that most of the job reductions will occur within the year, with senior leadership outside the executive team being affected.

The company emphasized that the decision was made with careful consideration.

Even amid revenue challenges, Cargill retains its status as the largest private company in the U.S., a title it has held for four consecutive years.

Forbes also ranks the Cargill-MacMillan family as the fourth wealthiest in the nation, with a net worth of $60.6 billion.

Earlier this year, Cargill faced another challenge when its Meat Solutions division recalled eight tons of ground beef due to potential E. coli contamination.

The workforce adjustments reflect the company’s response to changing global conditions and its ongoing commitment to adapting for future success.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Wednesday, December 4th (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jamie Lanners (507) 828-8891

Thursday, December 5th
Friday, December 6th

  • Shaun Johnson Cool Yule Tour at the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts, located at Marshall High School starting at 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 7th

  • Christmas in the Village in Montevideo from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    • Vendors, Crafters, Bake Sale, Candy Sale, Gift Shop, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Santa and so much more…

    • Admission: adults - $8, Kids 5+ $5, kids 4 and under are free

  • SMSU Holiday Revels at the Schwans Community Center For The Performing Arts in Marshall starting at 3:00 PM

  • Bazaar and Danish-inspired bake sale at the historic Danebod campus in Tyler, MN starting at 2:00 PM

    • Address: 140 Danebod Court, Tyler, MN.

    • Afternoon coffee and three-meat supper at 4:00 PM followed by local entertainment and singing Christmas carols

    • For questions, take out meal reservations, or overnight accommodations please email [email protected] by December 5.

Sunday, December 8th

  • Holiday Home Tour in Marshall

    • Get your tickets now at the Marshall Lyon County Museum for $20

  • Community Christmas Sing! at First Lutheran in Marshall at 3:00 PM

    • Kick off the Christmas season! Join together to sing all the favorite Christmas songs.

    • This is NOT a fundraiser, this is just a FUN raiser! It's a time to get together and enjoy the beautiful and fun songs of the season.

Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th

  • 2024 Canby Hometown Holidays

    • Saturday, December 7th

      • Christmas Cookie / Candy Sale at St. Peter’s Catholic Church 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

      • Holiday Movie: The Santa Clause 2 FREE Admission at Canby Theatre starting at 2:00 PM

      • Free Bowling For Kids at Lancaster Lanes & Event Center from 12:00 - 4:00 PM

        • 1 free game per person

      • Roller Skating at Canby High School (Old Gym) from 4:00 - 6:00 PM ($5 per kid)

    • Sunday, December 8th

      • Craft & Vendor Fair and Scotty Biggs BBQ Food Truck at former Schott’s building from 12:00 - 4:00 PM

      • Santa Clause Appearance at the Canby Theatre from 2:00 - 5:30 PM

      • Believe in Magic at the Wellness Center Building Conference Room from 3:00 - 5:00 PM

      • Kids Shopping Mall at Canby Community Center from 3:00 - 5:00 PM

      • Free Hot Chocolate, Coffee & Candy in downtown Canby starting at 5:00 PM

      • Living Nativity on the corner of Saint Olaf Ave and 2nd Street at 5:30 PM

      • Parade of Lights in downtown Canby starting at 6:00 PM

      • Tree Lighting following the parade at Lake Sylvan

      • Fireworks Display following the parade at Lake Sylvan

Saturday, December 14th
Friday, December 13th - Sunday, December 15th

  • Prairie Dance Alliance presents: The Nutcracker 

    • At the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts, Marshall Senior High School

    • Friday, December 13 at 7:00 PM

    • Saturday, December 14 at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM

    • Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 PM

Sunday, December 15th
Monday, December 16th and Tuesday, December 17th
Friday, December 20th
Saturday, December 21st
Sunday, December 22nd
Saturday, December 28th

  • Light Up The Night takes place at Independence Park in Marshall from 5:00 - 9:00 PM every night. Starting November 29 through January 1st. Enjoy this beautiful Winter Wonderland!

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Marshall’s & Southwest MN’s Best Kept Secret:
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