Sessions/Speakers

Keynote Panel: Transforming Barriers into Breakthroughs

In lieu of a singular keynote speaker, the conference will open with a keynote panel about the unique role the LGBTQIA+ community has in the agriculture industry. Panelists will represent the producer, industry, non-profit, and education sides of agriculture. 

Confirmed panelists include: Courtney Cuthbertson (University of Illinois), Brent Kelsey (Compeer Financial), and Laura Frederickson-Gosewisch (Vital Ground Farm) 

Breakout 1 (10:30 a.m. -  11:20 a.m.)

Protecting Pollinators with UMN Bee Lab | Elise Bernstein 

Minnesota is home to over 500 species of bees. These crucial pollinators support our food systems, feed and house countless creatures, and help plants maintain soil and water health. Our ecosystem depends on healthy and diverse pollinator populations. However, bees face several challenges from pathogens, parasites, pesticides, poor nutrition, habitat loss, and climate change. University of Minnesota Bee Squad's Elise Bernstein will speak about the current issues facing bees and the programs hosted by UMN Bee Lab working to keep bees healthy.

Understanding the Role of Soils for a Thriving Farm | Jodi DeJong-Hughes

Soil is one of Earth’s most vital and precious resources. As beginning farmers, understanding soil health is key to successful crop production. This session will introduce you to the basics of soil including the interconnection between microbial life, organic matter, and soil structure. We’ll look at how we can better manage our soils to be healthier and more productive. 

Families, sexual orientation and gender identity | Jenifer McGuire

This presentation will provide an overview of research focused on family relationships for LGBTQ+ people, with a specific focus on research aimed at rural areas. An ambiguous Loss perspective will be used to frame family relationships with members who are more or less accepting and validating of LGBTQ+ persons. There will be an opportunity to discuss considerations for LGBTQ+ families in agriculture and rural areas.

Want Some Livestock in Your Life? Let's Explore The Possibilities! | Diane DeWitte

This session will provide information for participants who are interested in raising poultry or livestock at home.  We will cover basic care, housing and pens, nutrition, animal social behavior, and local livestock regulations.  Discussion will include the outcome of the animals: marketing, harvesting for home use, or processing to sell or share.  Join us for a great introduction to the terrific opportunities of having a few animals & birds on your property!

Breakout 2 (1:45 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.)

Financial Record-Keeping for Farmers: Boost Profits, Reduce Risk, and Grow Your Business | Susanne Hinrichs

Staying on top of your financial records is one of the most powerful ways to fuel the success and growth of your farm business. In this session, you’ll uncover practical record-keeping strategies, information about the Schedule F, and discover how to prepare insightful business reports that empower you to make smarter, more confident decisions for your farm’s future.

So You Want to be a Flower Farmer | Robin Trott

Join Robin Trott, University of Minnesota Extension Horticulture Educator and owner of Prairie Garden Farm, for an engaging session on starting and managing a cut flower enterprise. Learn about market opportunities, growing techniques, and the challenges and benefits of cultivating flowers in Minnesota’s climate. Discover how cut flowers, as a value-added specialty crop, can offer higher income potential per acre than traditional vegetables. Whether you're an experienced grower or a beginner, this session will provide the insights and skills to succeed in the thriving cut flower industry. 

Queer Joy and Thriving in Agriculture | Courtney Cuthbertson

What do queer joy and thriving mean? What do they look like in agriculture? This interactive breakout session will include sharing research findings from a study of nearly 150 LGBTQ+ farmers across the U.S. The study has found there may be some ways that working in agriculture protects the mental health of LGBTQ+ people, although notable barriers and challenges persist. The session will also include conversations about how to cultivate wellbeing and connectedness. Presented by members of the Cultivate Lab, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois.

Food safety foundations for your cottage foods business | Amy Johnston & Autumn Stoll

In Minnesota, the Cottage Foods Exemption Law allows you to produce certain non-potentially hazardous foods in your home kitchen. However, the home kitchen often serves as a hub for various activities beyond cooking, which can introduce food safety risks. This session will equip you with essential food safety practices tailored to your cottage foods business. You’ll learn effective strategies to maintain a safe kitchen and protect foods from contamination, ensuring your products are safe for your customers.

Mini Breakouts (3:45 p.m. - 4:10 p.m.)

Grant opportunities available from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture | Emily Toner

A brief overview of some grant programs that the Minnesota Department of Agriculture offers to support and diversify agriculture around the state. View all MDA grant programs at this webpage: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/funding?field_category_target_id=5

Explore, Teach, Conserve with the Minnesota Master Naturalist program | Blake Wachter

If you enjoy hiking, bird watching, following tracks, or identifying wildflowers, you'll love the Minnesota Master Naturalist program! Learn about the Minnesota Master Naturalist program and how it inspires people to explore, teach about, and conserve natural resources across the state

S.A.V.E., Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training | Laura Stumvoll

You DON’T need to be a mental health expert to help someone thinking about suicide. In this session, you will learn how to recognize someone who may be thinking about suicide, and what to do if you notice these signs. We will review the steps of S.A.V.E.-S-Know the Signs of someone thinking about suicide, A-Ask the question, V-Validate their feelings, E- Encourage, expediate getting care. You will learn about the Public Health model approach to ending suicide, and resources and ways to help those thinking about suicide.

While this event is open to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, or national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity it will center the experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and other gender diverse people connected to the Agriculture industry.