Every farmer wishes that making on-farm decisions was as easy as flipping a coin, especially young and beginning farmers. Though it’ll never be as simple as choosing heads or tails, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA), in partnership with Profinium, is bringing back the MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop Jan. 21-23, 2025, to support growers early in their farming career.
“The next generation of farmers is essential to our industry,” MSGA Director Adam Guetter said. “Without them, our progress comes to a standstill. That’s why this workshop is so valuable – we want to help young and beginning farmers lay the groundwork that will set them up for success.”
Piggybacking off a successful first year, the workshop’s agenda is packed with panels and breakout sessions that are focused on relevant and practical topics for those early in their farming career.
Tentative workshop topics include:
- Building out financial statements
- Young, beginning & first-time loan options
- Getting it right: deductions vs. tax credits
- Grain marketing outlook & predicting trends for your farming operation
- The breakdown: crop insurance options
- Ag policy & why you should care
- Next generation succession planning
- Building a professional relationship with your landlord (even when it’s family)
Click here to read the full agenda.
“Not only will this workshop offer educational opportunities and focus on practical skills, but it will also act as a great networking opportunity to connect with other young and emerging farmers across Minnesota,” Guetter said.
Held in conjunction with the 2025 MN Ag Expo, participants will have ample opportunities to peruse the trade show floor and listen to keynote speakers, including The Shark Farmer and Machinery Pete.
“We had great feedback after last year’s inaugural MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop and we can’t wait to build off that momentum,” said Guetter.
As the premier title sponsor, Profinium is teaming up with MSGA to provide beginning farmers with a framework to guide them when making on-farm decisions.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association as we provide valuable information and expertise to beginning farmers in southern Minnesota,” Profinium CEO Joel Staehling said. “At Profinium, we believe that achieving dreams takes grit, determination, consistency and a commitment to constant learning. It’s an honor to support those getting started in their farming journey, and we’re excited to help them build strong foundations for their future success.”
A short application process will be required to be accepted into the workshop; requirements include being 21-45 years of age and actively crop farming in Minnesota. Applications open Oct. 1 and close Nov. 15. Applicants will be reviewed and selected by Dec. 1, 2024, and maxed at 40 participants, after which a waitlist will become available. Participation is free with lodging expenses also covered.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your knowledge and skillset,” Guetter said. “Take the next step in your farming career and apply for the MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop today.”
