At times, farming can feel like navigating through a labyrinth while blindfolded – especially for young and emerging farmers.

To support those young farmers, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA), along with Profinium, is launching the MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop. Held in conjunction with MN Ag Expo Jan. 16-18 in Mankato, the workshop will offer practical and relevant breakout sessions and topics customized for those early in their farming career.

“This is something brand new that MSGA is putting together and it’s exciting that we’re starting to work with young and emerging farmers in agriculture,” MSGA President Bob Worth said. “They are going to be the lifeblood of agriculture as we know it. I’m so proud to be part of an organization that’s looking to the future.”

As the premier title sponsor of the workshop, Profinium is partnering with MSGA to support the agriculture community.

“At Profinium, we believe in achieving dreams together,” Profinium CEO Ron Kopischke said. “When we had the opportunity to support the Young Farmer Workshop powered by Minnesota Soybean, it was an obvious ‘yes’ for us. We are thrilled to partner with Minnesota Soybean and find ways to bring local producers together and help them continue the family farming legacy.”

Other sponsors of the workshop include Blethen Berens, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Crystal Valley and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council.

Geared toward farmers ages 21-45 who are actively crop farming in Minnesota, the workshop offers educational opportunities and focuses on practical skills for farming operations.

Workshop agenda topics include:

• building financial statements;
• young and emerging farm loan options;
• tax mistakes every young farmer should avoid;
• grain marketing 101 with CHS;
• building your on-farm fertilizer program;
• impact of ag policy on your farm;
• and next generation succession planning.

MN AG EXPO keynote speakers and trade show floor time will be intertwined for workshop participants, along with networking opportunities to connect with other young and emerging farmers across Minnesota.

To view the full agenda, click here.

“I believe that the MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop is important not only to help educate the farmers of our great state but also to give them a little insight into the ways that MSGA and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council serve the soybean industry,” said MSGA Director Adam Guetter, who represents Minnesota on the American Soybean Association board. “I’m looking forward to networking with our young farmers and even encouraging them to become future leaders of the soybean industry, whether that be at the state or national level.”

A short application process will be required to be accepted into the workshop. Applicants will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and maxed at 40 participants; a waitlist will then become available. Participation is free, but lodging may be needed for those not in the Mankato area.

“If you’re a young farmer, please put in an application to be part of this inaugural group,” Worth said. “It’s going to be a wonderful experience.”