Governor Mark Dayton is leading a trade mission to South Korea this week, to help Minnesota companies build business relationships, explore new market opportunities and increase sales. Kathy Skiba, a dairy farmer from North Branch, Minn., is a member of the delegation, representing the state's dairy producers through Midwest Dairy Association. Skiba is also a director on the board of her dairy cooperative, which does business with South Korea. Midwest Dairy Association, through the checkoff, provides the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's membership to the U.S. Dairy Export Council. Skiba is charged with learning more about trade efforts with South Korea because of this relationship. The delegation departed Sunday and will return Oct. 2. Korea accepted $131 million in U.S. dairy exports in 2010. The U.S. Dairy Export Council estimates that a U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement will provide additional market access resulting in an additional $380 million per year in dairy exports to the region. Skiba and her husband, David, began farming in 1968. They milk a herd of 140 Registered Jerseys and raise all their young stock. Their herd has received numerous local, state and national awards including; first place fall yearling at the 2007 World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. This heifer was named All American Fall Yearling of 2007. David and Kathy Skiba have been active in the dairy industry together and as individuals. They have been active in the Midwest Dairy Association's "Speak Out" program and have spoken to numerous community groups in the Twin Cities area. Kathy Skiba is the current treasurer and past president of the Minnesota Purebred Dairy Cattle Association, is a board member of First District Association, Midwest Dairy Association Corporate Board, and is vice president of Midwest Dairy Promotion Council, vice president of the American Dairy Association of the Midwest and past chair of the Princess Kay of the Milky Way Committee. To follow Kathy Skiba's trip to South Korea 'Like' Diamond S Farm on Facebook! 09.27.2011