Session Descriptions

Pre-conference session options

Monday, February 2 (1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)

A changing way of life: ambiguous loss and farming | Emily Krekelberg, Jenifer McGuire

Ambiguous loss is an unclear loss without closure. The lack of clarity is based on something or someone being both here and not here at the same time. Ambiguous loss has many applications for families in the farming industry, including the changing farm and rural landscape, loss of land or livestock, changing markets, and even relationships. These can be ambiguous losses that lead many to feel “stuck.” A Changing Way of Life: Ambiguous Loss and Farming helps farmers and their families understand and name ambiguous loss, and to provide strategies for moving forward.

Organic management strategies for pests and weeds in vegetable crops | Marissa Schuh

If you plant it, they will come...the pests, that is. This hands-on session will cover tools and tactics for vegetable farmers when dealing with insects, diseases, and weeds. Go into the 2026 season with strategies to manage weeds effectively, knowledge of when bugs are worth dealing with, and what tools can help get it all done. 

Morning Panel (9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.)

Building and maintaining your business foundation | Julie Tesch (moderator), Linda Groos, 2 other producers 

To kick off the conference, join us for an engaging conversation with panelists that have first-hand experience starting and growing an agricultural business. Our speakers will share their real-life experiences from a variety of perspectives, highlighting both the triumphs and challenges they've faced along the way. This is a unique opportunity to hear from inspiring women in agriculture who have navigated this path. Don't miss out on the chance to be inspired and empowered! 

From kitchen to market: making safe cottage foods | Autumn Stoll 

Whether you're a seasoned cottage food producer or just exploring the idea of starting your own business, join use for an interactive food safety workshop! We'll dive into the science of food safety with hands-on activities exploring pH (acidity) and water activity, two key factors in keeping your products safe and shelf-stable. We'll also share practical tips for cleaning and sanitizing your kitchen to meet safety standards and build customer trust.

Mindfulness that meets you where you are | Monica McConkey, Tracie Rutherford, Jenny Vaughn

Stress is part of agriculture—but burnout doesn’t have to be. This supportive breakout session focuses on practical mindfulness skills that fit naturally into your day, whether you’re in the tractor, the barn, or the office. Join us to practice accessible relaxation tools, learn how to recognize early stress signals, and build simple habits to support long-term mental and emotional balance.

Adaptive grazing simulation | Tarah Young, Star Nelson, Mercedes Moffett, Deb Thooft

Experience grazing from a cow’s-eye view in this hands-on session! Participants will compare continuous and rotational grazing using life-sized props to see firsthand how different systems affect forage growth and pasture health. You’ll leave with a clear visual understanding of how grazing strategy influences land resilience and farm efficiency.

So you got a goat (or sheep)...10 essentials for raising small ruminants | Sabrina Florentino, Angie Varnum

Learn 10 “need to know” tips & tricks regarding health, feeding basics, infrastructure and handling for the new small ruminant producers. Dr. Angie will lead discussions on health conditions, preventative measures and establishing a relationship with a vet. Sabrina Florentino will review nutrition needs of small ruminants, and the infrastructure and handling techniques required to keep them safe and healthy. Participants will work together to problem solve common hurdles of small ruminant production.

Mini-Session 1 options (11:50 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.)

Creating your future in agriculture | Amy Durand

Grant success: tips for finding and applying for farm funding | Jenny Heck

Join MDA grant administrator Jenny Heck for a practical mini-session on farm grants. Learn where to find grants, how to understand eligibility and other rules, and what you need to craft stronger applications that support your farm’s next project.

Farm safety resources | Susan VonBank, Allison Beauregard

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture offers grants for rollover protective structures and grain storage facility safety upgrades.

From fields to futures: making child care work in farm communities | Staci Gilpin

In this interactive session, participants will explore the interconnected child care system—from centers to in-home and family, friend, and neighbor care—and learn how diverse options and tax incentives can help farm families balance family needs, business demands, and community well-being.

OR lunch

Mini-Session 2 options (12:10 p.m. - 12:25 p.m.)

Recordkeeping and crop insurance working together | Heather DuFault

A brief introduction to recordkeeping, crop insurance and how both work together to build a better risk management tool.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service programs | Jessica Beske

Farm safety resources | Susan VonBank, Allison Beauregard (repeat from Session 1)

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture offers grants for rollover protective structures and grain storage facility safety upgrades.

Farm Service Agency loan programs | Katie Zachman

OR lunch

Mini-Session 3 options (12:30 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.)

Recordkeeping and crop insurance working together | Heather DuFault (repeat from Session 2)

A brief introduction to recordkeeping, crop insurance and how both work together to build a better risk management tool.

Grant success: tips for finding and applying for farm funding | Jenny Heck (repeat from Session 1)

Women in conservation | Noreen Thomas, Allison Ryan

MNWIC will highlight the growing leadership of women farmers in conservation. This session will showcase real-world examples of women integrating soil health, clean water practices, into their operations.  The session will be an INTERACTIVE, welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and discover practical tools to help women farmers protect natural resources while strengthening their farms and rural communities.

OR lunch

Full Session option (12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.) [Note: this session overlaps with Concurrent Session 2]

Crop and livestock integration: the forgotten soil health principle | Gabi Bolwerk, Sabrina Florentino, Claire LaCanne

Learn why and how to integrate crop and livestock systems in this interactive session. After learning about benefits and management considerations, you’ll put your newfound knowledge to the test by working with others on a case study activity.

Storytelling for sales: digital marketing best practices to get your farm’s next customer | Michelle Sharp, Sarah Carroll

Want to stop chasing likes and follows- and instead do marketing that actually helps you grow customers?  What makes websites and social media actually convert viewers to buyers? How to create content that inspires loyalty and builds community support. How to use social media to benefit your business without becoming an "influencer."

Building a fruit production plan: key considerations for getting started in Minnesota | Madeline Wimmer

Learn how to grow perennial fruit crops—from apples to honeyberries—with a site-smart plan tailored to your goals. Whether starting an orchard or adding fruit to a diversified farm, this session offers practical tools and resources to guide you from planting to production.

What your local agriculture teacher wish you knew:  partnering with local ag ed programs for mutual growth | Joelle Liddane 

You will discover what your local ag teacher wishes you knew about agricultural education program. Whether it’s coaching CDE teams, mentoring students through Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), hosting agribusiness tours, speaking to ag, food, and natural resource classes or serving on the ag advisory board. Walk away with tangible methods to train our future workforce, strengthen community connections, and build partnerships that help both your operation and local students thrive. 

 Finding your future in agriculture | Amy Durand

Building grassland habitat on the farm with NRCS programs and precision agriculture | Maura Curry, Shelby Oldenkamp, Caryn Dawson

Learn how to use precision agriculture to identify low-yield areas ideal for wildlife habitat. Discover NRCS cost-share options and share strategies for long-term grassland management to support Minnesota’s native species.

Produce prescription programs: connecting agriculture, local foods and health care | Abby Gold, Kate Welshons, Nikki Johnson

This session will cover the growing movement of produce prescription programs, highlighting the role farmers and producers play in this burgeoning market.

Finances & record keeping | Nathan Hulinsky, Susanne Hinrichs

Learn how to create, read, and use key financial statements—balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow—to strengthen your farm business. Discover recordkeeping tips and what lenders look for when reviewing loan applications.