After all the fieldwork is done, that’s when it’s time to do a little homework and prepare for the upcoming crop year. There are a number of opportunities across the state and region to visit with industry peers as we head into the winter meeting season. Whether you’d like to hear about the latest market or weather outlooks or hear from key researchers and their most recent projects, there is lots to learn and discover this winter.
David Kee, director of research for the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, says there’s a number of reasons why growers should consider attending some of the upcoming winter events.
“For one you get the latest research results from the folks who are experts in their subject matter in their region and two, it’s an opportunity to network and visit with your colleagues,” Kee said. “And lastly they provide a chance to visit with the researchers themselves and talk to them about what’s going on in your field, which gives them insight into future research projects.”
Here’s a look at some of the upcoming winter events of soybean and small grains growers:
Prairie Grains Conference – Dec. 11-12
Held at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, N.D.,, the Prairie Grains Conference focuses primarily on issues pertaining to wheat, barley and soybeans. This first day of the conference, Wednesday, Dec. 11, is mostly commodity and organizational meetings. Minnesota Soybean will host a county association meeting with leaders from the county program and advocacy leaders to provide updates on county and regional projects. On Thursday, Dec. 12, enjoy keynote presentation from Jay Debertin, chief executive officer for CHS; Frayne Olson, NDSU crops economist, and NDAWN Director Daryl Ritchison. In addition, there will be numerous breakout sessions and an exhibit hall.
Register for Prairie Grains by Nov. 25 to guarantee meal tickets. To register or for more information, visit here.
Small Grains Update – Jan. 6-9
The Small Grains Update is scheduled to make its annual trek across northwestern Minnesota Jan. 7-10. Often held in conjunction with county soybean and corn growers organizations’ annual meetings, the Small Grains Update provides an opportunity for U of M extension educators to give an update on research projects, as well as updates from farm, commodity and county organizations. While exact locations are times TBD for this year’s events, expect stops in Clay, Norman, Polk, Kittson, Roseau and Pennington counties. Visit here for updates.
MDA Organic Conference – Jan 9-10
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will host its annual Minnesota Organic Conference on January 9-10 in St. Cloud. Whether you’re an organic grower or have interest in becoming one, a buyer or maker of organic goods or ag professional or researcher, this Minnesota Organic Conference provides an opportunity to connect with the state’s thriving organic community. The conference offers fantastic keynotes and breakout sessions, an 80-booth trade show and plenty of networking opportunities.
Rates for the Minnesota Organic Conference go up Dec. 3. Visit here for the full agenda or for registration information.
MCIA Annual Meeting – January 29
The Minnesota Crop Improvement Association, an organization dedicated to improving the productivity, profitability and competitive position of agricultural producers, processors and distributors of ag products, will host its annual meeting and conference on January 29th at the Holiday Inn & Suites in St. Cloud. Along with the annual business meetings and board of directors’ elections, the program will also feature guest speakers, presentations and MCIA awards. More information and registration can be found here.
Soil Management Summit – Jan 29 – 30
The Soil Management Summit, presented by the University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Office for Soil Health, is set for January 29 – 30 at the Mayo Event Center in Mankato. A farmer-oriented event, the event features experienced farmers, researchers and consultants speaking on a variety of soil management topics such as cover crops, tillage, nutrient management, soil health economics, livestock and soil biology. Table talks, panel discussions, and the exhibit hall offer opportunities for one-on-one networking and discussions as well.
The full agenda and registration information will be available soon here.
Best of the Best – Feb. 5-6
A joint effort between Minnesota and North Dakota, the Best of the Best brings together the top speakers and research projects that relate to soybean and wheat growers in the Red River Valley. A market and weather outlook, live demonstrations and panel discussions are usually included in the agenda. The Best of the Best is scheduled this year for February 5th in Grand Forks, N.D., and Feb. 6 in Moorhead. Check back here for this year’s agenda and more information as is it becomes available.
International Crop Expo – Feb. 19-20
Boasting a large trade show and a stacked line-up of agricultural sessions, the annual International Crop Expo will take place Feb. 19-20 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, N.D. The expo caters specifically to soybean, wheat, barley and potato growers. The full agenda and keynote speaker lineups are currently in the works, but visit here for updates.
