Meet The Presenters

Susanne Hinrichs

Susanne Hinrichs has worked with U of M Extension for 15 years, most recently as an Extension Educator on the Agricultural Business Management team. This team offers educational programs on the business side of farming, such as financial recordkeeping, business planning, preparing for taxes, Farm Bill and other policy updates. Susanne is involved in farm transition and estate planning efforts, business planning using the AgPlan.umn.edu website, as well as provides leadership for the statewide Extension Women in Agriculture Network. Susanne grew up on a farm in northwest Minnesota where they raised small grains, beef and sheep. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Agricultural Economics, and a Masters degree in Leadership & Public Affairs from the U of Minnesota.

Nathan Hulinsky

Nathan Hulinsky has been an Extension Educator since 2016. He works on developing and delivering educational programs dealing with agricultural risk management, emphasizing farm financial management, beginning farmer, farm business transfer, succession planning, land economics, and the agricultural economy. Nathan has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Financial Management from the University of Minnesota, Morris, and a Master of Science in Agribusiness and Applied Economics degree from North Dakota State University. Nathan grew up on a dairy farm in central Minnesota. He enjoys weightlifting, woodworking, and spending time with his wife Amanda and son Waylon. He lives in Brainerd, Minnesota.

Tim Penny

Tim Penny joined Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation as President/CEO in April 2007. Tim’s extensive background complements many of the Foundation’s key interests, including the areas of early childhood development and economic development. Tim represented Minnesota’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1982 – 1994. Previously, he was a member of the Minnesota State Senate from 1976-1982. Most recently, he was a Senior Counselor at Himle Horner, a Twin Cities-based public affairs firm, and a senior fellow at the Humphrey Institute. Tim is co-chair of the Economic Club of Minnesota, co-chair of The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget and serves on the Board of Parent Aware for School Readiness. Tim has co-authored three books: Common Cents; The 15 Biggest Lies in Politics; and Payment Due. Born and raised on a family farm in southeastern Minnesota, Tim received his B.A. in political science from Winona State University.

Lynn Hoffmann

Lynn Hoffmann is a Farm Business Management instructor at Riverland Community College.

The majority of the farmers I work with as an educator reside in Mower County or in near proximity to Mower County. Farm business management works closely with every family member involved in your farm's business, covering essential areas including; Accounting & Budgeting, Financial Management, Tax Strategies, Business Analysis, and Marketing Tactics.

The yearly analyses highlights your strengths and pinpoints areas for improvement, steering your business towards increased profitability. Advice is tailored to boost production, manage costs, and refine your business insight. My prior experience was working over 25 years in production agriculture in Redwood county primarily in dairy production.