The 2026 MN Ag Expo brought together Minnesota’s ag community, legislative leaders and an Olympic gold medalist for two days of dialogue and networking focused on moving the ag economy forward in the year ahead. 

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA), which co-hosts the annual event with Minnesota Corn, was part of every conversation, from building new markets to state and federal farm-related policy. In total, over 1,000 members of Minnesota’s farming community attended this year’s MN Ag Expo, which featured breakout and learning sessions, along with keynote speaker John Harrington, who was a member of the legendary “Miracle on Ice” 1980 hockey Olympic team.  

To begin Day One, MSGA hosted its Delegate Session and Annual Meeting. More than 100 delegates from across Minnesota participated in MSGA’s resolution process. Delegates approved resolutions related to:  

• Higher Yields 

• Research 

• Animal Agriculture 

• Biodiesel  

• Right to Farm – Water Quality 

• Expanded Soybean Uses 

• National Issues 

 Delegates also reviewed and passed over a dozen new resolutions, including supporting Minnesota Department of Agriculture international trade offices; pesticide regulations; soy-based firefighting foam; supporting crop production retailers; protecting crop inputs; promoting sustainable aviation fuel; and more.  

“We had a very engaged resolution session, with a lot of good dialogue and discussion, which is what the process is all about,” MSGA President Darin Johnson said. “These resolutions will now serve as our policy guide for the year ahead.”  

MSGA looked back on the trials and triumphs from 2025.  

“It was truly a remarkable year, in both good and bad ways,” MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek said. “Through all the ups and downs, our farmer leaders were proactive in defending our trade partners.”  

The association also honored Lincoln County as its County of the Year and Director Joel Schreurs as Soy Advocate of the Year. CHS was recognized as Industry Partner of the Year and Smentek paid special tribute to Lorri Ann Hartel, who’s retiring in March after nearly 20 years working within Minnesota Soybean’s county program.  

“MSGA would not have the strong presence we have today in northern Minnesota without Lorri Ann’s contributions,” Smentek said.  

Advocacy in Action 

At MN Ag Expo, although the agenda is finalized weeks in advance, it’s often best to expect the unexpected. Usually, surprises come in the form of winter weather warnings; this year was no exception, as a blizzard warning was issued on Day 2 of MN Ag Expo. However, in 2026, farmers also welcomed an unannounced guest, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who spoke for nearly 30 minutes to attendees. The senator touched on her farm policy vision for 2026, including upholding the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard, sustaining trade partnerships, the Farm Bill, ad-hoc assistance programs and more. She also referenced her two visits she made in 2025 to Johnson and Director Joel Schreurs’ farm and directly credited her meeting at Johnson Farms in April 2025 with informing her policy on foreign used cooking oil and its negative impact on American farmers and U.S. energy policy.

“Sen. (Roger) Marshall and I wrote a bill to ensure that corn and soybeans would have a fair playing field, and we got it passed and signed into law,” Klobuchar said. “That’s an example of … Every so often, things get done, and they’re not going to get done unless we try.”  

Klobuchar later joked she would like to have won the Ice Fish House Raffle that MSGA was holding as a fundraiser. Unfortunately for the senator, Tory Flores of Odin was the lucky winner. 

Prior to her speech, Sen. Klobuchar met with MSGA’s officer team to learn more about soy farmers’ issues in 2026. Johnson said a downturn in the farm economy is jeopardizing local communities across Minnesota.  

“Agriculture needs a shot in the arm,” Johnson told Sen. Klobuchar. “We’ve got to keep the train on the tracks to keep us moving forward.”  

 MSGA directors also participated in over 20 interviews across the two-day conference and trade show, promoting priorities ahead of the 2026 legislative session, which begins Feb. 17 in St. Paul. Directors also visited with numerous legislators, including Sen. Aric Putnam and Rep. Paul Anderson, who were honored with the Spirit of MSGA Award for their willingness to reach across party lines in St. Paul to pass farm-friendly legislation.   

“MN Ag Expo is a unique chance to visit with not just our fellow farmers and advocates, but our media partners across Minnesota who help share our message and the legislators who are supporting farm-friendly policies,” MSGA Vice President Ryan Mackenthun said.  

MSGA leaders will gather again in late February for Commodity Classic and March 10-11 for the annual Legislative Reception and Hill Visits. MN Ag Expo returns Jan. 19-20, 2027.   

“I’m so proud of our team and our partners at Minnesota Corn for being so active once again at MN Ag Expo,” Johnson said. “Everyone put their best foot forward, and that’s all we can ask for.”