Featured Speakers

Andrea Fleming

Farmer, Agricultural Advocate & Certified Personal Trainer
Andrea Fleming is a farmer, advocate, and certified personal trainer dedicated to bridging the gap between agriculture and today’s consumers. Raised in agriculture and proud to be part of the less than 2% of Americans who farm and ranch, she shares real, honest stories from life on the farm while serving as a resource for fellow producers. Andrea farms corn, soybeans, and alfalfa alongside her husband and family and operates a commercial cow-calf herd and feedlot in southwest Minnesota. Through social media and her work as a CPT, she openly shares the real and raw side of agriculture, discusses her mental health journey, and creates functional fitness programs designed to improve strength, endurance, and mobility for those working in agriculture.

Zoe Jones

Farm Operations Professional & Agricultural Advocate
Zoe Jones is originally from Chaska, Minnesota, and graduated in spring 2025 from Ridgewater College with a diploma in Farm Operations and Management. She is currently employed full time on a crop operation in Hector, Minnesota, where she works as a farm hand supporting the production of corn, soybeans, sweet corn, and sugar beets. Zoe is passionate about advocating for agriculture and actively shares her experiences and insights as a young farmer through social media.

↵Kate (Spadgenske) Minten

Agribusiness Professional & Dairy Industry Advocate
Kate (Spadgenske) Minten grew up on a first-generation 300-cow dairy farm, where she developed a strong foundation in animal care and dairy operations. After earning a degree in agribusiness from Ridgewater College, she returned home to raise calves on her family’s dairy while also working as a calf and heifer specialist with her local cooperative. Kate is actively involved in agricultural storytelling, creating content for Dairy Farmers of America and Spadgenske Dairy’s social media platforms. She is passionate about supporting producers and strengthening connections within the agricultural community. 

Kari Buttenhoff, CPA

Partner, Christianson CPAs & Consultants
Kari Buttenhoff, CPA, is a Partner at Christianson CPAs & Consultants and a recognized leader in agriculture and renewable fuels. With nearly two decades of experience, she helps farmers, producers, and rural businesses navigate state, federal, and international renewable fuel regulations. Kari leads Christianson’s compliance division, supporting more than 40% of the U.S. ethanol industry with RIN compliance, low carbon fuel standard validations, and related regulatory services, and is frequently sought out for her practical, industry-grounded insights.

Jared Sanborn

Market Advisor, DairyVisor Inc. (Pinion Risk Management)
Jared Sanborn has served as a Market Advisor with DairyVisor Inc. since 2014, working closely with large Midwest grain and dairy operations to manage feed, grain, and milk hedging strategies. In his consulting role, he partners with clients to develop disciplined trading strategies, maintain focus and emotional control, and execute plans using futures, options, cash markets, and insurance products. Following DairyVisor’s recent merger with Pinion Risk Management, Jared is part of an expanded advisory team with a broader industry network, enabling enhanced risk management solutions for producers and agribusinesses.

Nancy Miller

Founder & President, Vinna Human Resources
Nancy Miller founded Vinna Human Resources in 2018 after a successful career in banking. She earned her master’s degree in human resources management from Concordia University in St. Paul and launched her consulting business to support organizations with practical HR solutions. Vinna Human Resources employs a team of five professionals providing compliance, benefits administration, employee relations, and leave management services through both outsourcing and consulting models.

Zach Rada

Farm Business Management Instructor, Minnesota West Community & Technical College
Zach Rada is a Farm Business Management Instructor with Minnesota West Community and Technical College. In his role, he works closely with producers to strengthen financial decision-making, business planning, and long-term farm viability through education and hands-on support.

Brad Matuska

Business Development Director of Biomass Feedstocks, AURI
Brad Matuska is the Business Development Director of Biomass Feedstocks at AURI, where he works with producers and industry partners to develop and execute projects that support the commercialization of value-added products derived from Minnesota agricultural biomass feedstocks. His work focuses on innovative uses for manure, crop residues, food waste, and other coproducts to create new market opportunities for agriculture.

Brad co-founded Mississippi Topsoils in 1998, an organics recycling business that commercialized value-added products made from wastewater treatment biosolids generated by a poultry producer. Over more than 25 years, he built a broad foundation in business development and sustainable product commercialization. In addition to his industry experience, Brad has served as an adjunct instructor at the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University and is an active nonprofit advocate, supporting initiatives related to aquatic invasive species management, sustainable shoreline development, and water quality improvement.

Ce Yang

Associate Professor, Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota
Ce Yang is an Associate Professor in the Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering Department at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She earned her PhD in agricultural engineering from the University of Florida in 2013 and also holds a master’s degree in computer science. Her interdisciplinary research integrates engineering, data science, and agricultural systems to advance innovation in modern agriculture.