Gov. Tim Walz has confirmed he’ll address the farming community at Day 1 of MN AG EXPO on Wednesday, Jan. 19. The governor will speak at 2:00 p.m. on the trade show floor, and is expected to highlight the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification program and its goal of certifying one million acres by the end of 2022.
“We are excited to host the governor in his hometown, and learn more about his administration’s policy priorities in 2022,” said Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Mike Skaug, who’s also MAWQCP certified. “As a nonpartisan organization that focuses on policies, not politics, we welcome views from all parties.”
Minnesota’s premier indoor agriculture trade show is returning to an in-person event in 2022. After a virtual pivot in 2021, MN AG EXPO will once again be held Jan. 19-20, 2022 at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato. MSGA and EXPO co-sponsors, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, will hold their annual meetings and finalize their 2022 policy resolutions on Wednesday Jan. 19 and Thursday, Jan. 20, respectively.
More than 1,500 attendees and 80 exhibitors packed the trade show floor at the 2020 MN AG EXPO, which featured a keynote address from Gov. Tim Walz. This year, MCGA and MSGA have once again compiled a diverse list of keynote speakers and breakout sessions. South Dakota rancher and advocate Amanda Radke will serve as the afternoon keynote, and Army Veteran Jack Zimmerman will share his inspiring story during Thursday’s “Food for Thought” luncheon. Farm management expert Kent Thiesse is set to deliver the Morning Ag Economic Outlook presentation.
“Audiences are so excited to be back together,” Radke said. “The ag community is so close knit, and we’ve missed that fellowship and camaraderie.”
MCGA’s Reception and Silent Auction takes place Wednesday, highlighting the tremendous work of MCGA’s 52 county corn organizations. It will be followed by entertainment from comedian Todd Andrews during the dinner banquet.
Throughout MN AG EXPO, be sure to stop by the MCGA booth on the trade show floor to learn the many ways the state’s corn farmers are building a brighter future for Minnesota agriculture. Connect with old friends, look for giveaways, learn how your corn check-off funds are working for you, and explore the benefits of membership.
“Minnesota Corn is proud to co-sponsor MN AG EXPO and other events that allow farmers to network, hear from industry leaders and explore the latest trends in agriculture,” MCGA President Bryan Biegler said. “We’re looking forward to celebrating and highlighting our grassroots membership and can’t wait to get together.”
MSGA will also be holding its annual Carnival fundraiser on Jan. 19 at the Loose Moose Saloon. A $25 ticket includes drinks, appetizers, games and prizes that go toward a worthy cause: supporting MSGA’s grassroots advocacy mission in St. Paul and Washington, D.C. To cap the 2022 MN AG EXPO, MSGA will announce the winner of its All-Seasons Ice Fish House raffle on Jan. 20. The Fish House is made with soy-based spray insulation, furniture cushions, paint, cabinetry and flooring. It sleeps six, has a full restroom, features eight ice holes and LED strip lighting and more. MSGA is selling $100 raffle tickets (cash or check only), and remaining tickets are limited. Tickets can be purchased via MSGA board members and at Minnesota Soybean‘s Mankato headquarters.
Attendance at MN AG EXPO is free, but registration is required. The online registration window has closed, but interested parties can register by calling Minnesota Soybean’s office at 507-388-1635, or register in person (please note: meals won’t be guaranteed).
All proceeds from MN AG EXPO help fund MSGA’s efforts in promoting farm-friendly policy. In 2022, MSGA celebrates its 60th year of operations.
“Our members and sponsors have been driving our mission since 1962, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to once again visit as an agriculture community,” MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek said. “There’s going to be something for everyone at this year’s AG EXPO.”
