Check in & Breakfast

Start your day with coffee, breakfast, and networking.

7:30 AM

Opening Remarks from Event Hosts

Tayla Boersma, MinnWest Technology Campus
Barbara Carr, Kandiyohi County Economic Development

7:55 AM

Keynote: What's Driving Agriculture Now?

Mike interviews over 1000 professionals in the ag industry each year. These folks range from experts on the volatile commodity markets to Washington DC politicians, and trade experts from around the world. In this talk, Mike will synthesize what he’s learned from these professionals and helps the audience understand what might be ahead in the markets, ag policy, and in trade.

Mike Pearson, Host, “This Week in Agribusiness”

8:00 AM

Ag Panel- Regulatory, Tax, Business Top Issues

Stay informed with the latest on farm economics, USDA funding, labor and tax policy (including 45Z impacts on CI scoring), and banking trends shaping the future of ag finance moderated by Zach Rada.

Zach Rada, MN West Community and Technical College
Rebecca Johnson, Christianson PLLP
Mike Mastey, Pine Country Bank

8:45 AM

Networking Break

9:30 AM

Linder Farm Network Fireside Chat with MN Department of Ag

A candid discussion on current priorities and future initiatives impacting Minnesota agriculture.

Thom Peterson, Commissioner, State of MN Department of Agriculture
Dan Lemke, Linder Farm Network

10:00 AM

Storyteller: Happy Halal

Learn how this innovative venture is reshaping access to culturally relevant, ethical meat products.

Rebecca Wierchke, Founder

10:30 AM

Storyteller: Mezclada

Hear about this agtech startup aimed at reducing barriers to land and capital access.

Emily Reno, Founder

11:00 AM

Storyteller: Hardcore PB

Hear how this unique brand is redefining a pantry staple with passion and purpose.

Bryant Williams, Founder

11:30 AM

Lunch & More Sessions

12:00 PM

Deep Dive: Climate Resilience in the Ag Sector

Explore emerging strategies, technologies, and partnerships helping the ag sector adapt to climate challenges.

Katie Black, University of Minnesota

12:15 PM

Closing Session- Tech Showcase- Show & Tell

Mike Kutzke, VP of Student Success, Ridgewater College: AI Resources for Ag
• Zach Chapman, Southwest MN Advanced Rescue Team (SMART): Cutting-edge Tech in Ag Safety

12:45 PM