Amy Durand is the Dean of Agriculture at South Central College, where she leads innovative initiatives to strengthen agricultural education and workforce development. With a focus on hands-on learning, strategic partnerships, and inclusive leadership, Amy is dedicated to preparing students for success in today’s evolving ag industry. She is a passionate advocate for rural resilience and women’s leadership in the agricultural sector.

Maura Curry is the Southeast Area Wildlife Biologist for Pheasants Forever, where she leads a team of six Farm Bill Biologists dedicated to implementing state and federal conservation programs across the southeastern region of the state. She holds a degree in Geology–Biology from Brown University and brings a diverse background that bridges science, agriculture, and policy. She has worked closely with farmers to advance soil health practices, engaged in agricultural policy advocacy, and gained hands-on experience working on both a vegetable farm and a dairy. Driven by a lifelong passion for the outdoors and a commitment to supporting farmers, Maura has built a career that unites conservation and agriculture by helping producers succeed while improving wildlife habitat. 

Hello, my name is Shelby Oldenkamp, and I have a passion for agriculture. My passion started since I was a kid. I grew up on a row crop farm and cattle feeding operation. I went off to Iowa State to get my bachelor’s in animal science. From there I went into the cattle feeding industry in the southern part of Iowa. I learned a lot about being sustainable within the cattle industry and keeping in mind that we need grass to keep the industry. I ran a small cow calf herd in Iowa where I learned a lot about grass and quality of it. In the last year I decided to make the move back to southern Minnesota with my cow herd. I am currently working as the Precision Ag and Conservation Specialist for Pheasants Forever. This role is near and dear to me because I know that we can’t keep moving in the direction we are with the land. We need to make it more sustainable for the future and every little step is a small win for the future. 

Caryn Dawson is the Northeast Area Wildlife Biologist with Pheasants Forever, leading ecological science efforts across northwest and northeast Minnesota. She brings a diverse background in agricultural conservation, environmental assessment, and community engagement, with previous roles in state-level conservation programs, research, and bilingual outreach. With dual degrees in Global Resource Systems and Horticulture from Iowa State University, she’s passionate about empowering landowners, advancing habitat-focused practices, and fostering inclusive leadership in agriculture. Her work centers on bridging science, policy, and people to create resilient landscapes and stronger conservation partnerships. 

Dr. Abby Gold is a health and nutrition Extension specialist at the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development University. Dr. Gold’s research focus is public health, nutrition, communication, and community based public health program assessment, and she has a strong interest in the intersection between health and community development from a social science perspective. Dr. Gold is a community engaged scholar, she is actively involved in developing access to healthy foods at a state and local level through the work of Maternal and Child Nutrition Traineeship, SNAP ED, and formerly with the Minnesota Food Charter and the Cass Clay Food Partnership. Dr. Gold’s intervention research revolves around understanding the relationship between food, nutrition , and health in individuals and populations as they live in communities. Dr. Gold centers her work around community based participatory processes that lead to social change and health equity.

Kate Welshons is an educator at the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Family, Health, and Wellbeing. Ms. Welshons’ areas of focus include nutrition education, community engagement, chronic disease prevention, and policy, systems and environmental change work in relation to nutrition security and food access. 

Nikki Johnson is a Community Health and Nutrition Specialist with the University of Minnesota Extension and North Dakota State University Extension. She has spent the past 15 years supporting communities across Minnesota and North Dakota through nutrition education, community engagement, and chronic disease prevention. Nikki’s work emphasizes building strong connections between communities, healthcare partners, and other organizations to improve access to nutritious foods and support lifelong wellness. 

Nathan Hulinsky is an Extension educator for the Ag Business Management team at the University of Minnesota Extension, based in Brainerd. Nathan focuses on land rent, dairy risk, farm bill, and farm transition. He grew up on a dairy farm in Central Minnesota. He lives

near Brainerd with his wife Amanda and their son.

Susanne Hinrichs serves as an Extension Educator on the Agricultural Business Management team based at the Brainerd Regional Office, and holds degrees in marketing/ag economics, and a masters in leadership and public affairs.