A state-elected official was in Greene County on Wednesday.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig toured Bauer Built Manufacturing in Paton and continues to be impressed about what this local business has done, even after he toured the facility two years ago.

“I’m just amazed at how much of an investment has been made and the technology. They’ve grown the workforce here as well, introducing new products to the marketplace, you know Mack trailers now being built here. It’s just exciting to see that. So this is a company that is diversified their product offering, which we’ve heard a lot from folks over the last couple of years.”      

He pointed out challenges that are facing Bauer Built are virtually the same across the agriculture landscape with finding workers. Naig tackled how people need to change their way of thinking about post-secondary education, where it’s no longer only having to attend a four-year university.

“We need to be better and honest with young people about trades and I’m a big believer too in high school education that includes shop class, and the trades, and working with community colleges. The other thing is there’s a lot of focus on apprenticeships as well. Give somebody a chance to experience it, try and learn, and see if they like it or not, and know that before you really jump in with both feet.”      

The stop in Greene County was part of Naig’s 99-county tour.