About CA

Our resolutions

For more than three decades, Communicating for America has fought for these resolutions. They are the pillars of what CA stands for, the issues around which CA members unite to create thunder and meaningful change.
Promote agriculture and
consumer policy
Regardless of whether you are a
producer, processor, wholesaler,
retailer or most importantly, a
consumer, your daily life is
affected by American agriculture
from the food you eat, to the
clothes you wear, to the quality
of life you live. CA will continue
to promote an agriculture and
consumer policy that encourages
and promotes the well-being of
family farmers, ranchers, small
businesses and consumers in rural
America.
Advocate the interests of small
businesses
CA will continue to work with all
levels of government to provide
incentives and programs for
beginning farmers, ranchers, small
businesses in rural America and the
self-employed individuals.
Support community development
CA seeks cooperation between private
organizations and all levels of
government to promote community
development that will enhance family
farms, ranches and small businesses
across America. CA supports new
uses of renewable resources to
fuel economic development.
Ensure affordable health care
for all
CA seeks health care and health
insurance programs that are
administered and maintained by
the private sector with legislation
enacted only to ensure that all
Americans are guaranteed a minimum
standard of health care and
insurance at a reasonable cost,
regardless of health or age.
Protect business and farmland
ownership
CA will work to ensure that
agricultural land will be owned
and agri-businesses operated by
family farmers and ranchers.
Strengthen community services
and accessibility
CA will work to strengthen services
vital to family farms, ranches,
small businesses and the
self-employed.
Create education opportunities
CA will make every effort to
preserve and improve our education
system, which is a vital asset to
our country. Expanding education
through international exchange
programs, distance learning and
apprenticeship training will improve
the lives of our youth in America
and the world.
Better the lives of our youth
Knowing young people represent the
future of America, CA supports
activities that broaden
opportunities for youth in all
communities.
Advance senior citizen issues
and rights
CA supports and endorses programs
that will provide benefits to
improve the quality of life for
senior citizens.

Board of directors

Milt Smedsrud and the founders of CA wanted farmers, self-employed people and rural small businesses to have a strong voice and group purchasing power just like the employees of large businesses. In 1972, Milt founded what was then known as the Creamery Association (CA) in Fergus Falls, Minn. The CA Scholarship and Education Foundation were established in 1981, followed by the CA Exchange Program (CAEP) in 1985. Today, CAEP is one of the largest agricultural exchange programs in the United States. Milt currently serves as CA’s chairman of the board and chief executive officer. He and his wife, Birgitta, also own and operate the Smedsrud family farm.

Cliff Ouse has a prestigious career in the agricultural field. Beginning as a family farmer in west-central Minnesota, Cliff served on local boards and committees, and helped organize the Minnesota Beef Cattle Improvement Association. In 1977, Cliff became special assistant to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Robert Bergland, D-Minn. He quickly moved up to legislative assistant and the special assistant to the secretary. Today, Cliff is still active with agricultural and business legislation on the local and state levels.

Wayne Nelson is a grain farmer from Winner, S.D. Wayne has served on the board of directors of CA since 1985. In 1993, he was elected president of CA and has served in that capacity ever since. Wayne spends much of his time traveling to Washington, D.C., and state capitals doing legislative and policy work on behalf of the members of CA.

Roger Gussiaas and his family grow soybeans, spring wheat, barley oil and confectionery sunflowers, yellow flax and niger thistle on their Carrington, N.D., farm. Roger is the vice president of CA, the director of the Oil Seed Growers LLC, director of the Spring Wheat Bakers and former director of the North Dakota Grain Growers Association. He received the National Outstanding Young Farmer award in 1992. www.healthyoilseeds.com

Peter Risbrudt was born and raised on a dairy farm in west-central Minnesota. Pete graduated with his degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota. He and his wife, Janice, are active crop farmers, farming corn, soybeans and wheat. Pete joined CA in 1973 and is currently the secretary/treasurer and cheif financial officer.

David Ramey is the owner, with his wife, Carla, and winemaker of Ramey Wine Cellars. Previously, David directed viticulture and winemaking for Rudd Estate and Dominus in the Napa Valley, and Chalk Hill and Matanzas Creek wineries in Sonoma County. David and Carla live with their children, Alan and Claire, in Glenn Ellen, Calif., in the heart of the Valley of the Moon. www.rameywine.com

Stephen Rufer is CA’s vice president and general counsel. Steve is a practicing attorney and lives with his wife, Sandy, in Fergus Falls, Minn. He is a certified civil trial specialist and is on the state Supreme Court roster of approved mediators and arbitrators. Steve’s hobbies include biking, water sports and flying — he is a licensed commercial pilot and flight instructor. He has three adult children, Emily, Sam and Tom. Steve is active in the community and is currently president of Lake Region Healthcare Corporation. He is also a past president of CA.