MN AG EXPO covers the gamut in agriculture, from carbon sequestration 101 to financial planning to farm safety. Over the course of two days in Mankato, Minnesota’s marquee winter agriculture gathering sets our sights on the future by offering the farming community networking opportunities; educational sessions; a full trade show floor; dynamic speakers; fundraising events – and more!
Here are just a few of the session and meeting highlights attendees can expect to enjoy this January:
MSGA’s Delegate Session and Annual Meeting: Jan. 19 @ 9 a.m.
The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association will gather to finalize its 2023 resolutions, recap the past year and look ahead to goals for the coming year. The annual meeting will feature special guests and directors and industry leaders will be recognized for their contributions to improving the soybean industry. All members are welcome to attend.
“These discussions are so important for us to have because it’s a resolution process that’s grassroots, and one that kickstarts the process of getting legislation done that’s going to benefit agriculture,” MSGA President Bob Worth said.
Nitrogen Smart Session: Jan. 17 from 12-3 p.m./3 -6 p.m. & Jan. 19 @ 12 p.m.
Two of the advanced sessions for Nitrogen Smart will be offered in conjunction with MN AG EXPO. To begin MN AG EXPO, the “A Deep Dive Into the 4Rs” and “Adapting N Management to Climate” sessions will be offered consecutively on Tuesday, Jan. 17 in the Reception Hall at the Mayo Clinic Event Center in Mankato. A free meal will be offered at 11:30 a.m., followed by the Deep Dive session at 12:00 p.m. The Adapting to Climate session will begin at 3 p.m. following a short break. Attendees may attend one or both sessions, however we are requesting pre-registration. To register, visit z.umn.edu/ANSMankato.
The Deep Dive Into the 4Rs session is a three-hour look at different fertilizer types, application timing and the placement that goes with them. Approximately half the session is devoted to a detailed discussion on N rate. Attendees will also hear about the appropriate investment in and use of inhibitors and as well as under what circumstances sidedressing/topdressing N pays. The Adapting N Management to Climate session starts by looking at climate normals and the implications of temperature and moisture on the nitrogen cycle. Average recommendations are based on average conditions, so this session discusses how management needs to be adapted to conditions that are not average. In addition, time is explored as a factor in how nitrogen is managed. CEUs will be available for both of these sessions.
Learning Session # 1 Carbon Panel, Jan. 18 @ 8 a.m.
Carbon sequestration is a hot topic in agriculture. Leading experts will discuss the benefits and break down concerns surrounding storing carbon; which questions farmers should be asking and how farmers can potentially get paid for carbon credits. Drew Kessler of Houston Engineering will moderate the panel, which includes Minnesota Corn Growers Association Director Bryan Biegler, Minnesota farmer A.J. Krusemark, Matthew Berger from Gislason & Hunter and other industry leaders.
Following the discussion, panelists will answer questions from the audience.
Minnesota Ag in the Classroom Hands-On Learning Session: Jan. 18 & 19 @ 10 a.m.
Discover how you can help Minnesota’s K-12 students gain knowledge and understanding about agriculture! Meet the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) Team and learn about the Program’s mission: Agriculture is valued by all.
“Our goal is to provide attendees what our program is able to offer educators and K through 12 students and how (the ag community) can assist us,” MAITC Education Specialist Sue Knott said. “The hands-on part is fun.”
Participants will complete hands-on activities that can be immediately implemented in K-12 educational settings. These activities will serve as a starting point for participants to brainstorm opportunities to grow agricultural literacy in their community. Attendees will receive FREE resources from the MAITC program to share with educators in their community. Access to FREE standards-based lessons, activities, videos and more will be shared.
MAITC was founded in 1985. The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council has been a proud sponsor of MAITC for more than 30 years. Coming out of the pandemic, MAITC has found ways to merge virtual with in person learning.
“Those two COVID school years were crazy,” Knott said, “but we think we’re stronger than ever.”
Afternoon Livestock Keynote Panel: Jan. 18 @ 12:30
Soybeans, corn and livestock are a match made in farming heaven. More than 70% of soybeans grown in the U.S. are used for animal feed. Poultry is number one livestock sector consuming soybeans, followed by hogs, dairy, beef and aquaculture. Nearly 40% of corn grown in Minnesota is used for animal feed, including cattle, dairy cows, turkey and pigs. This panel brings together leaders from Minnesota’s top livestock groups – the Minnesota Beef Council, Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council; Minnesota Pork Board and Minnesota Milk Producers Association – to discuss how Minnesota agriculture works together to feed the world.
CPR Training sponsored by 40 Square Cooperative Solutions: Jan 18 & 19 @ 9 a.m.
In the event of a cardiac emergency, time is of the essence. When a person has a cardiac emergency, survival depends on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby. Learning a few basic steps can make the difference. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.
If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love: a child, a spouse, a parent or a friend as over 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac events happen at home. This is an especially important skill in rural communities that lack close access to medical facilities. Come for a hands-on lesson sponsored by EXPO exhibitor 40 Square Cooperative Solutions and learn a lifesaving skill. No previous CPR experience or knowledge is required to attend.
“40 Square offers health plans to Minnesota’s farming community and we’re proud to support this event and help attendees stay safety first at EXPO,” Executive Director Amanda Beavens said.
Farm Bill Learning Session, Jan. 19 @ 2 p.m.
The current Farm Bill was signed into law by then-President Trump in 2018 and expires in September 2023. Commodity groups have spent more than a year conducting learning sessions, developing priorities and meeting with lawmakers and USDA officials.
During this AG EXPO panel, leaders from across agriculture, including American Soybean Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Christy Seyfert, will be appearing to discuss the policies they wish to see included in the Farm Bill. Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish and Nation Corn Growers Association Public Policy Director Colleen Willard round out the panel.
